At 55 years old, Juan Magraner is a recognizable figure in the Valencian media landscape. His tattoos, an 'On Air' symbol and a microphone, reflect his passion for radio, a profession he practices every morning on the breakfast shows of Radio Valencia Cadena SER. He has also explored facets such as voice acting and has become a pioneer in audiobook narration.
His foray into the world of audiobooks began over twenty years ago, recruited by Benja Figueres, co-owner of Kilohercios & Decibelios, a space that now serves as a refuge during hot afternoons. Magraner recalls the initial test with a passage from Moby-Dick, a step that marked his start in a profession that was almost unknown in the region at the time.
Radio was always present in the Magraner household, influencing his vocation. Waking up to Los Porretas, having breakfast with Iñaki Gabilondo, snacking with Encarna Sánchez, and ending the day with José María Garcia shaped his childhood. The dream of becoming an announcer, especially like Gabilondo, materialized three decades later.
His current family life, with his wife Cruz and their two children, one of whom is Guillem, the drummer for the band Tenda, coexists with his professional dedication. Magraner sees podcasts as a natural evolution of radio, "well-made radio on demand," although his mornings start at 4:20 AM, avoiding radio to maintain his sleep.
The 26 years of early mornings have been a constant challenge. "Nobody gets used to it," he confesses, quoting a doctor who warned him that the human body is made to wake up with natural light. His routine of going to bed early, around 8:30 PM, is necessary to face the day.
His professional career did not begin in the media. At 16, he opened and closed a jewelry store. Radio came during his journalism studies at CEU San Pablo University, where he worked as a technician and announcer to finance his studies. Summer internships at Cope and Antena 3 Radio were the prelude to his joining Ser.
Thirty years ago, in 1996, Bernardo Guzmán called him to work in Informativos (News). The early years were marked by the fascination with the major radio station logos, imposing studios, and the chance encounters with figures like José María García or Iñaki Gabilondo. The microphone, for him, has always been a symbol of connection with a large audience.
Magraner admits the difficulty of recalling good news that he felt excited to deliver, noting that they are scarce. However, he remembers tragic events such as the Proof Spirit accident in the Port of Valencia, the Alcàsser murders, the metro accident, and Dana (a severe weather event). As a resident of Pinedo, he experienced the evacuation during the tragedy firsthand, describing "terrible" scenes of people arriving naked and covered in mud.
The images from Dana and Jesús Station left a deep impact on him. The difference between a war zone and the tragedy, where people were caught by surprise, was a stark reminder of reality's harshness. Unlike writers and photographers, radio announcers had to narrate events "with a lump in their throat," and he himself "cried on air," experiencing a breakdown a year later when the adrenaline wore off.
His voice, affected by Dana, required attention. He discovered the importance of advertising and voice acting, although his roles are secondary (Mr. 2, Waiter 1). "I loved it and learned a tremendous amount about the voice," he states.
Audiobook narration, a profession he started in the late 90s, demands significant dedication. A 300-page novel can take between 17 and 20 hours to record. He has read "hundreds" of titles, including works like Patria, Todo esto te daré, and El silencio de la ciudad blanca, adapting a "neutral Latin" tone without imitating accents.
His iconic phrase, "It's finally Friday," which he has tattooed, demonstrates his closeness to listeners. This connection led him to use the informal "you" (tutear) with them, considering radio as "just another piece of furniture in people's homes."
A particular experience with a patient who could not read made him realize the importance of audiobooks. His workday, which begins before dawn, contrasts with his personal life, which includes the gym, walking, and his family.
