Euskal Irrati Telebista (EiTB)

Euskal Irrati Telebista (EiTB) is the autonomous public broadcaster in the Basque Country region of Spain, founded in 1982. Its primary mission is to protect the Basque language and culture through its operations, which include 11 television and radio channels.

Media assets

Television: ETB 1 (HD), ETB 2 (HD), ETB 3, ETB 4, ETB Sat, Canal Vasco

Radio: Euskadi Irratia, Radio Euskadi, Radio Vitoria, EiTB Musika, Euskadi Gaztea

State Media Matrix Typology

Independent State-Funded and State-Managed (ISFM)

Ownership and governance

EiTB is owned by the Government of the Basque Country and is under the direct supervision of the Regional Ministry of Culture. In July 2020, the Basque government approved a change in EiTB’s corporate structure, transforming it into EiTB Media, a public limited company that consolidates all public media in the region.

According to the law governing EiTB’s establishment, the Basque Parliament is responsible for selecting the director general, who holds the highest authority, and appointing the Board of Directors. The board serves as the station’s top governing body, with its members recommended by academic institutions and non-governmental organizations as specified by law.

Andoni Aldekoa was appointed as the new Director General in July 2020, succeeding Maite Iturbe. Aldekoa’s appointment marked a new era for the broadcaster, with him bringing experience as a journalist and former communication advisor to the Basque regional government leader, Iñigo Urkullu. The decision received support from the governing parties (PNV and PSE-EE) and criticism from the opposition regarding his political affiliations, but confirmed his leadership change from Iturbe, who had led EiTB since 2013.

Source of funding and budget

EiTB is primarily funded by state subsidies allocated by the Basque Country government. The broadcaster’s budget has seen notable changes in recent years. In 2022, the budget reached €163 million, with over 85% coming from government allocation. The 2023 budget increased to €184 million, with the majority also from government funds.

Editorial independence

EiTB has frequently faced criticism for its lack of editorial independence, particularly regarding the director general’s appointment process. Despite these criticisms, the broadcaster often covers sensitive topics, and its journalists are known for their willingness to criticize authorities. The Basque Parliament has also, at times, mandated unbiased editorial coverage.

EiTB has a newsroom statute detailing all the rules, rights, and directions the group’s journalists must follow. This document establishes the group’s editorial independence.

The EiTB has a News Council for each media outlet, consisting of EiTB journalists. The newsroom statute guarantees their independence in monitoring EiTB’s work.

August 2025