Reporting from Berlin: the experience of a spanish correspondent

By Adriana Piñeiro

Born in Madrid, Alberto Freile has spent years telling stories, uncovering contexts, and bringing international news to Spanish audiences. From his early days as an intern at RTVE to becoming a correspondent in Berlin, his career has taken him through various fields of journalism, shaping his perspective along the way.

Adriana Piñeiro: You started your career at RTVE in 2007. What led you to choose journalism, and how were your first steps in the field?

Alberto Freile: I was passionate about storytelling, providing context, and understanding why things happen. The professors helped me focus on the areas where I had potential within the broad spectrum of journalism.

I started as an intern at La 2 Noticias through a university program that connected students with Spain’s public broadcaster. It was an exciting time for the show. Shortly after, I received a short-term contract, as is common in this profession, and continued getting contracts until I secured a permanent position through a public examination.

A.P.: You’ve worked in different areas at RTVE. Do you think these experiences prepared you for your current role as a correspondent?

A.F.: Absolutely. I don’t regret any of the positions I’ve held. I began in economic news during the 2007 financial crisis, then moved to RTVE’s regional office in Castilla y León, where I covered everything from politics to agriculture and sports. This was an excellent training ground because, like in a foreign bureau, I had to cover a wide variety of topics daily.

Over the years, I worked on different programs, including entertainment and special events like the Three Kings’ Parade or San Fermín. This diversity has been invaluable. I could interview a prime minister, an actress, an Olympic athlete or an artist.

A.P.: Have you noticed significant differences between working in Spain and Germany?

A.F.: Definitely. In Germany, media relations are very respectful and efficient. Institutions are always willing to respond to journalists and offer solutions. However, they tend to be rigid in their communication approach, unlike in Spain, where there’s more flexibility. Still, the respect for journalism here is something I truly appreciate.

A.P.: Was Germany your personal choice, or was it an RTVE assignment?

A.F.: Correspondent positions rotate based on various factors—legal term limits, professional needs, or personal circumstances. Sometimes, correspondents return to Spain or move to another foreign bureau. It’s a dynamic process that involves discussions with management to find the best fit for everyone.

A.P.: You have lived in multiple countries. How was your adaptation to Germany, both personally and professionally?

A.F.: It has its challenges. The winters here have little daylight, which affects both daily life and TV reporting. We have to work fast in the mornings to get footage in natural light. Additionally, settling in—registering, setting up services—can be daunting, but there’s always someone in the bureau to help. The workload is intense because we don’t just cover Germany but also Austria, Poland, and the Baltic countries. Right now, with elections and major international events, we’re in a ‘perfect storm’ of news coverage.

A.P.: Covering such a wide variety of international topics, what does a typical workday look like for you?

A.F.: We plan days or even weeks in advance. For example, the World Economic Forum in Davos is scheduled a year ahead, so we prepare interviews and background research early. Every morning, I check emails and news briefings, then discuss with editors which stories will make it into the national news. RTVE’s Telediario (newscast) only dedicates about five or six minutes to international news unless there’s a major event, like the U.S. presidential inauguration. We also provide content for RTVE’s 24-hour channel, website, and programs like ‘Europa.’ So, there’s never a dull moment!

A.P.: Covering international news, how do you manage to interpret them for a Spanish audience? That is, how do you manage to convey the complexity of what is happening in the rest of Europe so that it somehow connects with viewers in Spain?

A.F.: That’s a great question. We call it the ‘correspondent’s syndrome’—sometimes, what seems crucial locally isn’t as relevant in Spain. Our editors in Madrid help us maintain perspective. They remind us that, no matter how significant an issue is in Germany, it must be framed in a way that connects with the Spanish audience.

A.P.: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring journalists who dream of working abroad?

A.F.: It doesn’t matter where you start—whether in sports, national news, or economics. What matters is staying committed to your passion. Journalism is a long-term career; you won’t be covering breaking international stories at 25. Every experience, whether in print, radio, or TV, helps you build your skills.

Stay informed, read everything, and develop your own perspective. Learn from experts, whether they’re diplomats, academics, or politicians. Keep networking, take advantage of training opportunities, and never give up. Even if you’re not working in journalism at some point, keep honing your craft. Passion and perseverance are the keys to success in this field.