Today, December 21, has marked the end of an era in Spanish journalism, as Pedro Piqueras, the iconic presenter of Informativos Telecinco, has said his last goodbye after 51 years of an outstanding career. The retirement of the renowned journalist was announced on November 20, coinciding with the revelation of his successor, Carlos Franganillo, who will take the reins in 2024.
In his latest news, Piqueras addressed current issues, from the shooting in Prague to the tragic accident of two soldiers in Córdoba. He also highlighted the meeting between Pedro Sánchez and Pere Aragonés at the Generalitat, as well as the curious meeting between King Juan Carlos and Infanta Elena. Of course, there was no lack of mention of the 2023 Christmas Lottery Draw, whose slogan “Lucky to have us” served to say goodbye to the presenter: “It has been great luck to have you,” said Silvia, special envoy to the Teatro Real in Madrid.
In an emotional farewell speech, Piqueras reflected on his extensive career, from his beginnings in the newspaper ‘Pueblo’ to the 34 years dedicated to television. He recalled his arrival at Spanish Television in 1988, his time at Antena 3 and the last 18 years at Telecinco. He thanked everyone who has accompanied him on his journey and the audience for allowing him to enter their homes.
Piqueras announced the arrival of his successor, Carlos Franganillo, with whom he shared coverage at significant events. “My place will be taken by a journalist with whom I have been lucky enough to share coverage of elections, investitures, volcanoes, earthquakes… his name is Carlos Franganillo and he comes from that great school that is public television and who joins this team of Telecinco where you will also find great colleagues: technicians, cameras, producers, journalists, presenters… So nothing more on our part,” said Piqueras.
With a nostalgic tone, he highlighted his experience on Telecinco: “I leave with the best of memories, which is having been with you for so many years. I wish you times of less tension, more justice and more happiness. Very good night and even always”, Pedro Piqueras concluded his farewell.
With 17 uninterrupted years as a presenter on Informativos Telecinco, Piqueras closes a cycle at Mediaset and almost five decades in journalism. From his beginnings at Radio Exterior de España in 1977 to his last role as the emblematic face of Informativos Telecinco, he has left an indelible mark on the history of television journalism in Spain.
Graduated in Journalism from the Complutense University, Piqueras directed and presented programs on Radio Nacional de España before becoming the main face of Telediario on TVE in 1988. His career includes prominent roles on Antena 3 and a period as director of Radio Nacional de España .
Throughout his career, Piqueras received multiple awards, including an Ondas Award, three Golden Antennas, and the 2022 Vanity Fair Journalist of the Year Award. His dedication to rigorous journalism and his musical approach in presenting news have been distinctive elements of his style.
Piqueras, known for his professionalism, rigor and naturalness, has stood out at crucial moments in the country’s politics, moderating debates and reporting major news. His legacy will be remembered as an example of journalistic excellence and closeness to the audience.
In his farewell, the journalist expressed his future plans, which include traveling, offering conferences and classes, as well as exploring new opportunities in documentaries. His retirement is presented discreetly, without media noise, but with the satisfaction of a career well accomplished. His departure leaves a significant gap in the Spanish news landscape, but his legacy will remain as a reference for future generations of journalists.