The programming of La Sexta. From the variety of contents to the triumph of the infoshow. (2006-2010)

Abstract

La Sexta was the last generalist channel to launch its programming before the advent of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT). With only four years left before its arrival, it had to secure a high enough number of viewers to be able to gain a foothold amongst the competition. To this end, its promotion focused on highlighting humour as a hallmark and as a prominent, unifying element of its programming. This research analyzes the programming of La Sexta from its official launch until the implementation of DTT in order to clarify whether humor was really the element that sustained the channel's establishment or if, on the contrary, it was held as a slogan in its promotions while resorting to other content and a more conventional style of programming to ensure sufficient audience interest.