On March 26, 2025, Vocento, a prominent Spanish media group, announced the closure of its digital sports publication, Relevo, which had been operational for less than two and a half years. The decision was communicated to the staff during a morning meeting, marking the end of a venture that was once seen as a significant investment in the sports media landscape.
Relevo was launched on October 6, 2022, with the aim of differentiating itself from established sports outlets like Marca, AS, Mundo Deportivo, and Sport. The publication sought to broaden the focus of sports journalism in Spain, emphasizing coverage of lesser-known teams and competitions, as well as promoting women's sports. Under the leadership of Óscar Campillo, a former director at Marca, Relevo quickly gained traction on social media, amassing over 300,000 followers prior to its official launch.
Despite these early successes, the publication struggled to achieve financial viability. Vocento invested more than 18 million euros into Relevo, but the project failed to turn a profit, ultimately leading to its demise. In the latest financial report, released on the same day of the closure announcement, Relevo reported revenues of 2 million euros for the first nine months of 2024, reflecting a 65.1% increase compared to the previous year. However, this growth was overshadowed by significant operational losses, with an EBITDA impact of -3.9 million euros, a slight improvement from -5.2 million euros in September 2024.
Vocento's current CEO, Manuel Mirat, who succeeded former CEO Luis Enríquez, decided to discontinue the publication after months of financial losses and uncertainty surrounding its future. The closure was part of a broader plan to implement budget adjustments within the company, which has faced challenges in the advertising market. The decision to close Relevo was not made lightly, as the management team had explored potential sales of the publication, including negotiations with Mediaset, which ultimately fell through due to financial disagreements.
As part of the closure process, Vocento has initiated a collective bargaining procedure with the employees, who will have two months to seek new employment opportunities. The current workforce at Relevo consists of approximately 75 to 80 employees, many of whom have expressed concerns about their job security in recent months. The uncertainty surrounding the future of Relevo had already prompted many employees to seek representation in the company's leadership committee, hoping for greater job security amid the looming threat of closure.
Relevo's editorial strategy was designed to resonate with younger audiences, particularly Generation Z and female sports fans. The publication aimed to provide a fresh perspective on sports coverage, focusing on inclusivity and diversity in its reporting. However, despite its innovative approach and strong social media presence, the publication struggled to attract the necessary advertising revenue to sustain its operations.
In an attempt to revitalize interest in the project, Relevo launched "Relevo Mag," a quarterly magazine dedicated to sports and lifestyle, but this initiative also failed to deliver the expected financial results. The combination of high operational costs and a challenging advertising environment ultimately made the continuation of Relevo unfeasible.
The closure of Relevo marks a significant shift in the Spanish sports media landscape, as it highlights the difficulties faced by new entrants in a market dominated by established players. Vocento's decision reflects broader trends in the media industry, where traditional revenue streams are under pressure and companies are forced to make tough decisions to ensure financial stability.
As the dust settles on this latest development, the future of the employees at Relevo remains uncertain. Many have already begun seeking new opportunities, while others reflect on the impact of the publication's closure on the landscape of sports journalism in Spain. The challenges faced by Relevo serve as a cautionary tale for aspiring media ventures, illustrating the importance of sustainable financial practices in an increasingly competitive environment.
In conclusion, the closure of Relevo underscores the complexities of navigating the rapidly evolving media landscape. With the rise of digital platforms and changing consumer preferences, media companies must adapt and innovate to survive. As Vocento moves forward with its restructuring efforts, the fate of Relevo serves as a reminder of the challenges and uncertainties that accompany the pursuit of new ventures in the world of sports journalism.
