Más de uno – Monólogo de Alsina: "Historia de amor"
Podcast: Más de uno
Host: OndaCero
Episode: Monólogo de Alsina: "Historia de amor"
Date: March 4, 2026
🟢 Overview: Episode Theme and Purpose
This episode of "Más de uno", led by Carlos Alsina, is a heartfelt tribute to renowned journalist Fernando Ónega—a pillar in Spanish radio. Through a mix of reflection, personal anecdotes, and notable contributions, Alsina and fellow colleagues celebrate Ónega’s indelible mark on Spanish journalism and the evolution of radio, while also segueing into key current events such as the diplomatic tensions involving Spain, the US, and the ongoing crisis in Iran.
🗝️ Key Discussion Points and Insights
1️⃣ Farewells, Legacy and the Meaning of Radio
- Opening Reflection: Alsina reads Antonio Machado:
"Donde acaba el pobre río, la inmensa mar nos espera. No vivir de los recuerdos, sino tener siempre un proyecto de futuro."
(00:01, Alsina) - Acknowledgement: Gratitude is expressed for listeners’ affection and the sense of community built over years.
- Homage to Fernando Ónega:
- Ónega’s broadcasting legacy is discussed by Carlos Herrera and other friends/colleagues.
- Emphasis on his tireless dedication, with anecdotes about his professionalism (e.g., only asked for 3 days off in 17 years).
- The affectionate running joke about Ónega’s seafood preferences and how it became a lasting on-air nickname.
2️⃣ Ónega's Second Greatest Love: The Radio
- Personal Touch:
"La historia de amor... que yo puedo contar, no es la del mayor amor en la vida de Fernando Ónega... sino que la historia de amor que yo puedo contar es la del segundo mayor amor... que era la radio."
(03:14, Alsina) - Family and Passion: Family comes first for Ónega, but radio is described metaphorically as "his third daughter".
- Values:
- Ónega’s other “second loves” are listed: journalism, freedom, Galicia, Spain’s convivencia.
- Emphasized as a cultivator of memory, using past lessons to avoid repeated mistakes.
3️⃣ Ónega’s Role and Style as Mentor and Leader
- Career Milestones:
- Arrival at Onda Cero in 1991, with a live reading of his first "carta" on-air.
- Remembered as director, mentor, and unifier of strong personalities in radio.
- Leadership Approach:
“Magisterio atmosférico, el que no se ve pero se respira, el que no se hace notar pero se percibe.”
(06:48, Alsina; commenting on Ónega’s teaching style) - Notable Institutional Impact:
- Promoted talent, created opportunities, balanced egos, and mentored with example rather than lectures.
4️⃣ The ‘Carta en la radio’ Format
- Origin Story:
- Alsina recounts being asked by Luis del Olmo to write a "carta en la radio", leading to an impactful format.
"La carta es maravillosa porque te permite dirigirte a una persona, elogiarlo, criticarla, y eso tiene mucho más fuerza que el comentario, me parece.”
(08:24, Ónega)
5️⃣ Transition: From Tribute to Current Affairs
- Alsina pivots to cover the latest news, honoring Ónega’s ethos of always staying present and relevant.
6️⃣ Global Tensions: Spain, US, Iran, and Trump
- Irán Crisis: Fifth day of conflict referenced, with a critique of President Sánchez’s delayed response.
- Pedro Sánchez's Address:
- Announced will speak “en formato plasma” (with only his team, no journalists), focusing more on the US-Spain dispute than direct Iranian events.
- Donald Trump's Threats:
- Trump’s statement read on air, threatening to end all trade with Spain due to lack of alliance.
"España no tiene nada que nos interese, absolutamente nada. Bueno, su gente, que es maravillosa, pero no tienen grandes líderes..."
(11:45, Trump audio) - Analytical Commentary:
- Herrera and Alsina consider whether Trump’s threats are empty bluster or hold serious risk.
- Emphasizes business nerves, previous tariff disputes, and the unpredictable nature of Trump’s international relations.
💬 Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
-
On Farewells and the Future:
"No vivir de los recuerdos, sino tener siempre un proyecto de futuro."
(00:01, Alsina) -
On Ónega’s Radio Dedication:
"Los programas de radio, cuando pueden volar solos sin uno de sus padrinos fundamentales, es que ya son programas de radio como Dios manda."
(01:08, Carlos Herrera) -
On Leadership Without Ego:
"Magisterio atmosférico, el que no se ve pero se respira, el que no se hace notar pero se percibe."
(06:48, Alsina) -
Ónega’s “Carta” to Listeners from 1991:
"Es una carta telegrama para certificar que existimos ... vendedores ambulantes que hemos instalado nuestro tenderete en Onda Cero … hemos envuelto en la bandera de la libertad … construído un reto de independencia."
(05:47, Ónega) -
On Living Beyond Work:
"No he disfrutado un puñetero puente en toda mi vida… necesitas recordar que se puede vivir."
(08:52, Ónega) -
On US-Spain Tensions:
“España no tiene nada que nos interese, absolutamente nada. Bueno, su gente, que es maravillosa, pero no tienen grandes líderes… vamos a cortar todo el comercio con España…”
(11:45, Trump) -
On Trump’s Unpredictability:
"Para Donald Trump un no aliado es lo mismo que un obstáculo, un problema, un adversario, casi casi un enemigo."
(12:08, Alsina)
⏱️ Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:01-00:21 – Alsina’s Machado quote, farewell tone
- 00:21-01:41 – Warm reminiscences, anecdotes about Ónega, family, and radio
- 02:17-03:14 – Legendary seafood anecdote and its on-air impact
- 03:14-05:47 – Alsina’s narrative of Ónega’s second love: radio, and his professional journey
- 05:47-06:48 – Ónega’s first ever “carta” on Onda Cero (archive audio)
- 06:48-08:27 – Leadership, mentorship, the “atmósfera Ónega”
- 08:52-09:44 – Transition, Alsina sets stage for current events; reflections on work-life balance
- 09:44-12:08 – News: Irán, Pedro Sánchez’s address, and Trump’s threats to Spain
📌 Summary Flow and Listener Value
This episode memorably honors a broadcasting giant, contextualizing his deep love for radio as both craft and community. Using friendly repartee and poignant memories, the presenters highlight the unique “Ónega style”, contrasting it with today’s fast-paced media world. The tribute is authentic and affectionate, blending the nostalgia of radio’s golden era with an immediate pivot to analyze global politics—proving why radio remains so vital. The narrative is rich with notable phrases, personal warmth, and the natural camaraderie that makes Spanish morning radio unique.
Listeners come away with a portrait of Fernando Ónega as both a foundational leader and a fellow worker in the radio trenches, as well as timely insights on the day’s most pressing geopolitical developments.