EITB Channeled €96 Million to Production Network Linked to PNV Officials

• Public broadcaster EITB has awarded over €96 million in contracts since 2013 to a network of four private production companies with deep ties to the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV).
• The network’s central figure, Itxaso Atutxa, who served as head of the PNV in Bizkaia for 11 years, became the general manager of Prime Time Media in January 2025.

The Network and Contracts

• Prime Time Media: Received €23.5 million for documentaries, news, and entertainment programs.
• Irusoin: Managed corporate communication and self-promotion for EITB, totaling €14.2 million.
• Mixer Servicios Audiovisuales: Controls a virtual monopoly on Basque-language dubbing and subtitling, totaling €27.9 million.
• Expressive Media Projects: Handled advertising space and content sales, totaling €29.3 million.

Key Figures and Connections

• Fernando Larrondo: A central connector who manages Prime Time Media and holds board positions across the linked firms, effectively acting as Atutxa's superior.
• Itxaso Atutxa: Her move from party leadership to the private production sector follows a 2024 controversy where audio emerged of her discussing political influence in public bidding processes.
• Andoni Ortuzar: Current PNV president and former EITB director, cited as the architect of the broadcaster's alignment with party-affiliated private contractors.

Structural Implications

• Political Instrumentalization: Critics argue EITB functions as a propaganda arm for the PNV, using public funds to secure the professional careers of party officials via "revolving door" hiring.
• Labor Concerns: Union groups and translator collectives have long alleged that the market monopolies held by these firms cause precarious working conditions and degrade the quality of Basque-language programming.