Streaming In Spain
A guide to getting Spanish TV and options for getting foreign channels and radio stations on your TV or computer through the Internet.
What better way to learn about Spain than by watching Spanish television? Local TV channels will provide a window into Spanish culture, language, and general way of life. If you want to watch TV shows from home, you’ll be happy to know that you can do so easily in Spain via your TV or the Internet.
Spain also has many easily accessible regional, national, and international radio stations. This detailed guide covers everything you have to know about TV, streaming, and radio in Spain.
Watching TV In Spain
To watch Spanish television, you do not need a license. It is relatively simple to gain access to local and international channels. In 1948, Barcelona and Madrid were the first Spanish cities to have television. Eight years later, in 1956, TVE, the first proper channel, began regular programming nationwide. The first private channels appeared in 1990, and analog television began to transition to digital television in the 2000s. Analog TV services were finally phased out in 2010, and all national and regional terrestrial channels are now digital.
A UK television set would not have worked in Spain prior to the switch from analog to digital. Because the UK used PAL-1 analog encoding and Spain used PAL-BG, the transmission was difficult. However, because both countries now use DVB-T digital systems, there is little chance of a problem. However, suppose you want to bring an old analog TV set to Spain. In that case, you will require a separate digital terrestrial television (known as TDT) receiver box that converts the digital channels. These are available for around €30-40 in Spanish TV shops or supermarkets such as Carrefour or Alcampo.
Digital TV In Spain
If you want to expand your viewing options, there are several subscription-based platforms that offer various packages. The price of these packages varies depending on the number of channels included and the provider. Some providers, for example, may offer free satellite TV if you sign up for the Internet package. The following are the main satellite TV providers and installers in Spain:
Additional English channels include the BBC, Channel 4, and Sky TV. They require a Sky receiver and a card.
Cable TV In Spain
To gain access to even more programs, you can sign up for a monthly cable service through one of the following providers:
Many homes in Spain are already wired for cable service, but if yours isn’t, you can always connect when you sign up for a new service. Prices vary, but the average annual cost is around €300.
National And Regional TV Channels
Thirty-four national Spanish TV channels are available in the United States, including HD channels. RTVE owns five of the channels (La 1, La 2, Clan, 24 Horas, and Teledeporte), while the rest are privately owned. There are numerous regional TV channels in each of Spain’s autonomous communities. Surprisingly, TV consumption increased after the 2008 financial crisis, but now it has been declining in recent years as Spanish people shifted their attention to other forms of media, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
The Most Popular TV Channels In Spain
National TV channels lead the rankings in Spain, according to 2019 data. Telecinco was Spain’s most-watched TV station, accounting for more than 14% of the total audience share that year. The channel is best known for broadcasting reality television, soap operas, general entertainment, and ‘garbage TV’ (tele basura).
Antena 3 is the second most popular channel, accounting for 11.7% of the total audience share in 2019. This private channel, which debuted in 1990, broadcasts news, magazines, cinema, drama, and sitcoms. La 1, which features debate programs, documentaries, sports, and entertainment shows, is the third most-watched Spanish TV channel, with a 9.4% share.
Regional television appears to be popular only in Catalonia, where it had an audience share of more than 18% in 2019. However, in other regions, such as Castile and Leon, the audience share was only 0.3%.
English-Language TV Channels
Since the switch to digital television, expats have had more opportunities to watch English-language television in Spain. Many Spanish channels now broadcast imported UK and US television shows as well as films from around the world, which are frequently dubbed into Spanish.
However, thanks to digital television, you can now watch movies and shows in their original language at the touch of a button. You can usually change the language by pressing the language or audio button on the digital decoder’s remote control or the television’s built-in digital tuner. You can also choose Spanish subtitles if you want to improve your Spanish language skills.
Not only are more Spaniards discovering this option as they appreciate having an extra tool to help them improve their English, but it also allows English-speaking expats to discover a wide range of viewing options without having to rely on satellite or cable TV. These formats clearly provide expats with far more options.
Satellite TV
Astra 2 is the primary satellite for English-language television. Expats normally need to install a satellite dish on Astra 2 to gain access to all foreign channels in Spain. It is best to contact a reputable satellite company to have the proper equipment installed for you.
Before scheduling a satellite installation, remember that some landlords may require approval before dish installation. Furthermore, if you are installing a satellite dish that is larger than 1.9 meters in diameter, you may need to obtain planning permission from your local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento). This varies by town and should be confirmed before proceeding with any installation.
You will not have to pay additional fees once the satellite dish is installed because TDT is free. You will also have access to services like Freesat, which allows you to watch over 140 free UK TV channels in Spain. This service also provides free access to catch-up and on-demand services like BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and Demand 5.
Online Streaming Services
When you live in Spain, there are plenty of options for getting your fix on foreign TV shows and movies online.
Below are some of the most popular online streaming services:
- DAZN: For a fee, this online streaming platform provides a plethora of on-demand and live sporting events.
- Disney+: The latest addition to the international streaming market has a slew of Disney movies and TV shows, including The Simpsons and Star Wars.
- Netflix: This global powerhouse has an impressive library of movies and TV shows available for a monthly membership fee.
- Amazon Prime Video: For a membership fee, you can watch a wide variety of movies (some with subtitles in other languages).
- DIRECTV: Hundreds of live TV channels and on-demand titles are available, including kid’s TV channels, news, sports, and more.
Getting A VPN In Spain
An increasing number of expats worldwide are using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to ensure their online privacy and security. These VPNs can help you unblock online content as well as increase your anonymity while browsing. This enables you to access your favorite websites from anywhere, including streaming platforms. VPNs that are available in Spain include:
Radio Stations In Spain
In Spain, national radio is divided into public and commercial. Radio Nacional de Espaa (RNE), Spain’s national public radio service, currently broadcasts six national public radio services. These are some examples:
- Radio Nacional: general service with mostly speech-based programs
- Clásica: plays classical music and concerts
- Radio 3: airs pop and rock music mainly for a youth audience
- Ràdio 4: a regional service that broadcasts in the Catalan language
- Radio 5 (Todo Noticias): a 24-hour news channel
- Radio Exterior de España: an international, external broadcaster
There are also numerous commercial networks that broadcast throughout Spain, the most popular of which are:
- Cadena COPE: featuring mostly news, talk, and sports with a religious appeal.
- esRadio: a private, national radio station that features music and news
- Cadena 100: adult-contemporary radio station comparable to BBC Radio 2.
- Rock FM: plays classic rock
- MegaStar FM plays a mix of pop/dance music comparable to Radio Disney.
A dozen foreign-language radio stations are also available, including German, Dutch, Russian, Catalan, and Scandinavian.
English-Language Radio Stations
Fortunately, there are now numerous English-language radio stations broadcasting in areas of Spain where the majority of expats reside. Some have been broadcasting for nearly 50 years and have a loyal following among expats looking to catch up on all the latest news and views in their local communities and listen to various music.
There are currently 25 English-language radio stations broadcasting in Spain, with the following being particularly popular.
Online Radio Stations
When it comes to listening to your favorite radio show, the Internet is frequently the most convenient way to do so. A quick Google search will yield useful results, such as Univision, United States Radio, and Streema, providing access to over 13,000 radio stations worldwide. Furthermore, if you subscribe to satellite TV, you will almost certainly have access to radio channels.