Controversy Erupts Over Concha Pombo's Appointment as Head of Galician Public Media
Nationalists and socialists have voiced strong opposition to the nomination of Concha Pombo as the director general of the Galician public media corporation (CSAG), condemning her for alleged media manipulation. The Popular Party (PPdeG), however, defends Pombo’s extensive experience, arguing she is a solid candidate for the role.
During her presentation at the Galician Parliament, where she is the sole candidate for this position, Pombo, who has served as head of news since 2017, attempted to deflect criticism regarding her controversial tenure. Nationalist Olalla Rodil pointed out that during her leadership, 366 out of 416 Fridays have been marked by protests against alleged manipulation and political control of the media. In stark contrast, PPdeG praised Pombo's impeccable career and suitability for the role.
In her introductory speech, Pombo, who started her career as an intern at TVG in 1998, emphasized the need for a strategic shift in audience measurement methods amid the changing landscape of television. While she highlighted responsibilities fulfilled during the pandemic and claimed boosts in audience across social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, she neglected to address criticisms regarding the low viewership presented by audience measurement statistics.
Pombo outlined plans for further modernization, including finishing the digitalization of radio and managing the historical archive of the organization. She defended the media’s performance during economic struggles, emphasizing her commitment to revitalizing the reputation of "A Galega," the Galician brand.
Opposition leaders were quick to counter Pombo’s assertions. Rodil, representing BNG, was particularly scathing, arguing that Pombo’s record disqualified her from leading what she sees as a necessary transformation of public media. Citing recent legal rulings against TVG for misinformation, Rodil emphasized the responsibility of media leaders to uphold transparency and fairness. She underscored widespread criticism regarding biases in coverage, suggesting that dissenting voices are systematically silenced, pointing to specific instances where key political figures were omitted from media coverage.
The socialist spokesperson, Silvia Longueira, described Pombo’s nomination as an example of poor choices, labelling her as more radical than the current politics led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo and Alfonso Rueda. Longueira argued that the distortion of information undermines journalistic integrity, expressing skepticism about Pombo’s intentions regarding content quality amid a climate of hidden agendas. She urged Pombo to prioritize impartiality and a diverse representation of voices within Galician media.
Conversely, PP spokesperson Carmen Pomar strongly defended Pombo's nomination, describing it as a breakthrough for meritocracy that highlights home-grown talent. She acknowledged Pombo’s impressive credentials and demonstrated independence, reinforcing the view that her leadership would reflect positive change within the institution and the media landscape.
As debates ensue over the decision, the future of Galician media faces pivotal challenges. The outcome of Pombo's appointment will not only impact the structure and priorities of the CSAG but may set a significant precedent for accountability and ethics in public broadcasting in Galicia.
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