La Linterna is a long-standing news and current affairs radio program broadcast by COPE, one of Spain’s primary commercial radio networks. Hosted by veteran journalist Ángel Expósito, the program airs on weekdays from 19:00 to 23:30, serving as a comprehensive review of the day's most significant political, economic, and social developments. The show’s structure is designed to transition listeners from the raw reporting of the daytime news cycle into a deeper evening analysis.
The editorial focus of La Linterna is centered on providing context to national and international headlines. Each broadcast typically begins with a summary of the day’s breaking news, followed by Expósito’s editorial monologue, which offers a signature perspective on the most pressing issue of the hour. A significant portion of the program is dedicated to the "Tertulia," a panel discussion featuring a rotating group of political commentators, journalists, and experts such as Jorge Bustos, Alejandro Requeijo, and Julio César Herrero. These segments aim to dissect the motivations and consequences behind legislative moves, economic shifts, and international conflicts.
In addition to political analysis, the program incorporates dedicated segments for specific sectors. This includes economic reporting, cultural updates, and human-interest stories that provide a broader view of Spanish society. Expósito often incorporates field reporting and on-the-ground chronicles, particularly during international crises, to bring a firsthand narrative to the studio discussion. The program maintains a focus on the Spanish-speaking world, primarily targeting a domestic audience within Spain while also reaching international listeners through digital platforms and its podcast distribution. As a staple of COPE's programming grid, La Linterna functions as a critical bridge between the afternoon's news updates and the late-night programming slots, maintaining a consistent presence in the Spanish media landscape through its blend of reporting and expert opinion.