R.Uribes asks RTVE, Atresmedia and Mediaset to give Culture more time

The Minister of Culture and Sports, José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes, has asked RTVE, Atresmedia and Mediaset to expand the space that their television channels dedicate to both Spanish and European Culture in these difficult times.

Rodríguez Uribes has sent three letters to those responsible for the three main general television groups: the president of RTVE, Rosa María Mateo; the president of the Atresmedia Corporation, José Creuheras, and the CEO of Mediaset Spain, Paolo Vasile.

Some texts to which Efe has had access and in which it encourages them to "go one step further" in their commitment to Spanish and European culture, and to assume "with ambition" the objective of expanding that space dedicated to cultural content, but without demands, since it recalls the independence and freedom of content and of the press of television channels.

"I know that you share our concern and that Spanish cinema and theater, as well as all the expressions of our common culture that enrich us and identify us: literature, art, dance, music, historical heritage or the whole of performing arts in general, are content that you value in its important dimension, "says the minister.

The letters respond to the announcement made by the minister after the meeting he held on April 6 with representatives of the cultural sector, the first since the State of Alarm and confinement was decreed.

Rodríguez Uribe said then that he would speak "with public and private television so that there is a greater presence of culture now and when the situation returns to normal."

In the letters, the head of Culture also highlights the "difficult times" that we are going through due to the COVID-19 crisis, which has consequences for economic activity and, in a "singular" way, for Spanish cultural industries.

And it also recalls the "overwhelming" commitment of the world of culture, which has facilitated citizens' access, often free, to all kinds of content, in addition to organizing solidarity campaigns and events.

"But that world of creators needs all our support. Its horizon at the moment is very uncertain and requires our support and solidarity," adds Rodríguez Uribes.