The Public Radio and Television of Castilla-La Mancha (RTVCM) is the public broadcaster of the Castilla-La Mancha region. It commenced operations in 2001 and currently operates television and radio channels. In 2016, it changed its name to Castilla-La Mancha Media (CMM).
Media assets
Television: CMM TV (HD)
Radio: CMM Radio
State Media Matrix Typology: Independent State-Funded and State-Managed (ISFM)
Ownership and governance
RTVCM was established through Law No. 3 of 2000 as a public company belonging to the regional government of Castilla-La Mancha. The regional parliament in Castilla-La Mancha exercises control over the broadcaster through a parliamentary commission known as the Control Commission of the Public Entity of Radio-Television of Castilla-La Mancha. In 2016, RTVCM’s name was changed to Castilla-La Mancha Media (CMM).
The CMM Board of Directors consists of 13 members elected by the Parliament of the Castilla-La Mancha region. The Parliament also appoints CMMedia’s General Director, the station’s executive body.
Source of funding and budget
CMM is funded through a mix of state funding and advertising revenues. Over 80% of its budget comes from a subsidy provided by the regional government in Castilla-La Mancha, amounting to €44.6m in 2020, an increase of nearly €4m from the previous year.
The broadcaster’s total budget was €51.6m in 2022 and €54.3m in 2023, most of which came from a government subsidy.
Editorial independence
CMM often faces pressure from politicians and state authorities who seek to control and manipulate the broadcaster’s editorial coverage.
State officials often allege that the station is not properly managed. Additionally, the media have frequently reported on questionable deals made by the station’s management, although these are mainly business-related matters.
For many years, there was no solid evidence of the government manipulating CMM’s editorial content or exercising systematic control over the station’s editorial affairs.
No document establishes the broadcaster’s editorial independence except for the “General Programming Principles,” which introduces a series of rules that journalists at CMM are supposed to follow.
CMM has an Advisory Council established by law to assist the Board of Directors with suggestions for improving the broadcaster’s programming. The council is asked to provide feedback at least twice a year. It consists of 15 members appointed by the regional parliament, the regional government, the municipalities in the region, the University of Castilla-La Mancha, and the broadcaster’s staff.
August 2024