Do You Need a Television Licence in Spain?
Fortunately, you do not need a license to watch Spanish TV. Accessing local and international channels is relatively easy to arrange. Barcelona and Madrid were the first two Spanish cities to experience television in 1948. It was eight years later in 1956 that TVE, the first proper channel, initiated regular programming throughout the country. In 1990, the first private channels began to appear and in the 2000s, analog television started migrating to digital television. Eventually, analog TV services were officially discontinued in 2010, and since then, all national and regional terrestrial channels are digital.
Prior to the switch from analog to digital, a UK television set would not work in Spain. The UK used PAL-1 analog encoding, whereas Spain used PAL-BG, therefore, the transmission was problematic. However, both countries now use DVB-T digital systems so there is unlikely to be a problem. But if you have an old analog TV set that you want to bring to Spain, you will need a separate digital terrestrial television (TDT) receiver box that converts the digital channels. You can buy these in Spanish TV shops or in places such as Carrefour or Alcampo for around €30–40.
If you want to widen your viewing options, there are several subscription-based platforms offering various packages. The cost varies according to the channels included and the provider. Some providers may provide free satellite TV if you sign up for their Internet package. To get additional English channels, such as the BBC, Channel 4, or Sky TV, however, you will need a Sky receiver and a card. You can also subscribe to a monthly cable service for an even wider range of programs. Many properties in Spain are already wired for cable service, but if your home is not, you can always set up a connection when you subscribe to a new service.
There are 34 national Spanish TV channels including HD channels. Five of the channels are publicly owned by RTVE (La 1, La 2, Clan, 24 Horas, and Teledeporte) and the rest are private. There are also numerous regional TV channels in each of the autonomous communities in Spain. While TV consumption initially increased following the 2008 financial crisis, it has been declining in recent years, as Spanish people are turning their attention to other media such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
According to 2019 figures, national TV channels dominate the rankings in Spain. Telecinco ranked as the most-watched TV station, holding over 14% of the total audience share that year. The channel is known for airing reality TV, soap operas, general entertainment. The second most popular channel is Antena 3 with 11.7% of the total audience share in 2019. This private channel broadcasts programs that focus on news, magazines, cinema, drama, and sitcoms.
Fortunately for expats, there is greater opportunity to watch English-language television in Spain since the switch to digital television. Many Spanish channels now screen imported UK and US television series and movies, often dubbed into Spanish. Thanks to digital television, you can watch movies and series in their original language. You can usually change the language using the language or audio button on your remote control. You can also select Spanish subtitles to improve your Spanish language skills. This option is popular with both Spaniards learning English and English-speaking expats who want to watch a wider variety of programs.
The main satellite for English-speaking TV is Astra 2. To access foreign channels in Spain, expats usually need to install a satellite dish on Astra 2. Contact a reputable satellite company for proper installation. Some landlords may require approval before dish installation. If your satellite dish is over 1.9 meters in diameter, you may require planning permission from the local Town Hall. Once installed, you won’t have to pay additional charges as TDT is free. You can also enjoy services like Freesat, which provides over 140 free UK TV channels in Spain, including catch-up and on-demand services.
Expats can also access foreign TV shows and movies online through streaming services. Popular online streaming services include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max. Many expats use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to enhance online privacy and security, and to unblock online content restricted by geographical location.
National radio in Spain is divided between public and commercial radio. Six national public radio services are broadcast by Radio Nacional de España (RNE). Numerous commercial networks also broadcast across Spain. There are also foreign-language radio stations in various languages, including German, Dutch, Russian, Catalan, and Scandinavian. There are many English-language radio stations broadcasting in areas of Spain with large expat communities. These stations provide news, local information, and a variety of music.
You can easily find your favorite radio shows online. A quick Google search will provide useful results, including Univision, United States Radio, and Streema, which offers access to over 13,000 radio stations worldwide. Satellite TV subscriptions often include access to radio channels as well.
