La España que madruga – Onda Cero, 24/03/2026

Host: Carlos Alsina
Main Theme:
Informative and humorous overview of current events in Spain, with special attention to early-rising journalists, politics (notably Andalusian elections), headlines, and sports. The tone blends satire, political critique, and a lively roundup of major news.

1. Introductory Satire: El Periodismo y la España que madruga

[00:00–00:34]

• The episode opens with a dramatized, tongue-in-cheek narration about journalists and the relentless pursuit of news, poking fun at their supposed self-sacrifice and the skepticism they inspire.
• Memorable exchanges highlight skepticism and sarcasm towards journalists, acknowledging both their work ethic and public perception.

Notable Quotes:

• “Son notarios de la actualidad.” (Narrator, 00:10)
• “Ojalá os cayera un rayo encima.” (Critic, 00:15)
• “Y su sello las ojeras.” (Narrator, 00:27)

2. Presenting the Panel & First Banter

[00:54–01:38]

• Carlos Alsina introduces correspondents scattered across Spain and the globe (Professor Rodríguez Brown, Daniel Ramírez García Mina in Almería, Rosa Belmonte, Félix José Casillas).
• Satirical asides about the Mediterranean still existing and the Beatles’ historical presence in Almería enliven the banter.

3. The Seven (Plus One) Burning Questions of the Day

[01:45–02:51]

Structured as a traditional segment of the show, the team rattles off pressing questions regarding international diplomacy, Spanish political intrigue, and Andalusian elections.

Key Questions:

• Are reports about fruitful Trump–Iran negotiations true or invented?
• Will Sánchez need support from Junts, PP, or Vox for anti-crisis measures?
• Are early Andalusian elections strategically timed to exploit opposition weakness?
• How crucial will local provinces (Almería, Granada) be for achieving an absolute majority?
• An extra “eighth question” from the DGT: What do we miss when we walk while glued to our phones?
  • “Creemos que estamos al día de todo, las noticias, las notificaciones. Pero mientras, nos perdemos todo lo que pasa alrededor de nosotros.” (Radio Host, 02:51)

4. Repasando los titulares: Review of the Day's Front Pages

[03:19–06:48]

a. Almería as the Setting

• Reporter Dani Patrón, with irreverent historic references, sets the scene in Almería, likening political maneuvering to liberal “landings” and recalling Pablo Iglesias González and the Constitution of Cádiz.
• The on-the-ground account includes “Viva Pablo Iglesias” shouts, coupled with vivid, almost mythic imagery from local landmarks.

b. Main Political Story: Early Andalusian Elections

• Juanma Moreno’s surprise calling of the May 17 elections is analyzed across several papers:
  • La Razón: Election pre-empts a “superdomingo” and avoids local religious festivals.
  • Confidencial/ABC/El Mundo: Early date not foreseen; impact on PSOE’s prospects.

c. Scandals & Political Maneuvers

• Reports on alleged illegal financing involving Delcy Rodríguez, Ábalos, Aldama, oil barrels, and Russian accounts.
• Payments to “cloacas” (dirty deals) for political campaigns (Catalonia, 2024).
• The episode recalls Zapatero's distancing from some analyses and the lingering question: “¿Qué es la amistad sino el olvido de los derechos humanos?” (Dani Patrón, invoking Borges, 05:57).

d. Tribute and Satire

• Dani Patrón humorously invokes fallen historic liberals and laments the state of Spanish politics with culinary metaphors.

5. Headlines Snapshots: Politics, Religion, Society

[06:48–09:29]

• Rosa Belmonte brings more headlines:
  • International Scandal: Iran features Sánchez’s face on missiles; Orban accused of leaking EU secrets to Russia.
  • VOX Funding: Abascal’s advisors charge 1.3 million/year after public funding begins.
  • Church Finance: Conference Episcopal sets a €500,000 price for a papal handshake.
  • Housing Policy: Criticism of rental regulation and market exit.
  • Medical/Religious News: Jehovah’s Witnesses revise blood transfusion doctrine.
  • Historical Memory: Forensic search on stolen babies yields no evidence.
  • Cinema & Culture: “Torrente” outperforms Almodóvar at the box office.

6. Economic Turn:

[09:29–10:57]

• Professor Rodríguez Brown delivers the day’s economic summary:
  • Trump–Iran rumors buoy markets, though Iran denies negotiations.
  • Major company mergers and investments (Puig–Esther Olver, Iberdrola’s tax load).
  • Ongoing Spanish housing market destabilization.
  • International economic press highlights tensions impacting European debt and skepticism on geopolitical claims.
  • Quote on war and debt: “Qué útil es la guerra. Casi parece que sin guerra pues no habría ningún problema de deuda pública.” (Prof. Rodríguez Brown, 10:41)

Highlight:

• Columnist Leeds (in FT) claims AI could be a box office hit, but not for the movie industry.

7. The Day’s Economic Cartoon

[10:55–11:16]

• Caín in La Razón: “Atrás quedan las adhesiones individuales, a partir de ahora serán colectivas.” (Prof. Rodríguez Brown, 10:57)

8. Sports Roundup with Félix José Casillas

[11:16–13:24]

• Football: Productive negotiations for Vinicius at Real Madrid; Arbeloa favored by the squad for coach.
• Elections & Football: Andalusian regional elections coincide with a key La Liga weekend. Several clubs (Sevilla, Cádiz, Málaga, Granada, Córdoba, Almería) affected by upcoming decisions.
• Spanish National Team: Prepping for the World Cup with a series of friendlies; competitive selections continue.
• Tennis: Martín Landaluce—rising talent—prepares for Miami Masters quarterfinals; Italian Sinner still in competition.
• Basketball: Euroleague highlights—Real Madrid faces Maccabi Tel Aviv.

9. Final Banter on Time Zones

[13:24–End]

• Light-hearted confusion over time zones (mainland vs. Canary Islands), reinforcing the show's playful yet informative tone.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “Sé tratar todo tipo de noticias. Y si no las hay, salgo a la calle y le muerdo a un perro.” (Radio Host, 00:19–00:22)
• “Aquí está La España que madruga. Con el profesor Rodríguez Brown, que no está aquí, sino en Chile.” (Main Host, 00:54)
• “Cuando caminamos mirando nuestro móvil, ¿Somos conscientes de todo lo que nos perdemos?” (Main Host, 02:45)
• “El barón más parecido a Feijóo contra la más sanchista del sanchismo.” (Reporter Dani Patrón, 04:34)
• “¿Qué es la amistad sino el olvido de los derechos humanos?” (Dani Patrón, 05:57, invoking Borges)
• “Qué útil es la guerra. Casi parece que sin guerra pues no habría ningún problema de deuda pública.” (Prof. Rodríguez Brown, 10:41)
• “Desde su metro y 93 centímetros, Landaluce luce su relación con Nadal porque entrena en su academia y también con Alcaraz, con el que comparte a gente.” (Journalist, 12:45)

Summary Flow & Highlights

• The episode sets an energetic, ironic tone, mixing hard news with playful dialogue and layered satire, especially regarding politics, journalism, and public cynicism.
• The Andalusia elections are center stage: surprise early date, its political calculus, and potential national consequences.
• Newspaper headlines span scandals, governance, religion, rental crisis, and even issues like blood transfusions and cinema receipts.
• The economic bulletin links international events and policy with a critical eye for official narratives.
• In sports, the overlap between politics and football is humorously acknowledged; focus on both domestic and international competitions.

Listeners gain:

• A broad, clever, and critical overview of Spain’s social and political scene on March 24, 2026
• An appreciation for the rhythm and wit that characterize Carlos Alsina’s “Más de uno”
• Insight into how Spanish media blend news, commentary, and culture for a woke, early-morning audience