Iker Jiménez Elizari

Early Career and Rise to Prominence

Iker Jiménez Elizari was born on January 10, 1973, in Vitoria, Basque Country, Spain. He studied sciences of information at Complutense University of Madrid and the European University of Madrid, establishing credentials in journalism and media studies. Beginning in 1990, Jiménez worked across Spain's major radio networks including Onda Madrid, Radio Voz, Antena 3, Onda Cero, Cadena SER, and Radio Nacional de España, gradually building a reputation as a serious investigator of paranormal and anomalous phenomena.

Milenio 3 and Radio Success

In 2002, Jiménez launched Milenio 3 on Cadena SER, a groundbreaking radio mystery investigation program co-hosted with his wife and collaborator Carmen Porter. The show explored UFO sightings, paranormal encounters, conspiracy theories, and unexplained mysteries. Milenio 3 proved immediately successful and became a cultural phenomenon in Spanish-speaking radio, running for 14 seasons until its conclusion on June 28, 2015. The program earned Jiménez the prestigious Antena de Oro award in 2004, recognizing his contributions to Spanish broadcasting excellence. Through Milenio 3, Jiménez established himself as Spain's leading voice on paranormal investigation and UFO research, interviewing witnesses, consulting with experts, and presenting documented cases with journalistic rigor mixed with entertainment appeal.

Cuarto Milenio: Spain's Longest-Running Mystery Program

In November 2005, Jiménez transitioned to television, creating Cuarto Milenio on the Spanish network Cuatro. The weekly program became Spain's longest-running television show, still in production as of 2026. Cuarto Milenio covers a broad spectrum of mystery topics including UFO sightings, extraterrestrial contact claims, archaeological enigmas, cryptozoology, parapsychology, unexplained physics phenomena, medical mysteries, and conspiracy theories. The program's format combines investigative journalism, expert interviews, documentary footage, witness testimony, and scientific consultation. Each episode explores specific cases or themes with a mix of skeptical inquiry and openness to unconventional explanations. The show's longevity and cultural impact have made Jiménez arguably the most recognizable UFO and paranormal media figure in Spain and across Spanish-speaking populations.

Recognition and Controversy

Jiménez's work has garnered significant professional recognition. In 2015, he received a second Antena de Oro award for his television work and the Premio Ondas (Spain's equivalent to the Emmy), acknowledging his contributions as a presenter, communicator, and director. However, his prominence has also attracted criticism. Media observers have noted that while Jiménez is regarded as "one of the premier communicators in Spanish media," he is simultaneously "one of the most parodied and criticized" figures—a tension between serious investigative journalism and entertainment sensationalism. Some critics argue his programs prioritize narrative drama over rigorous skepticism, while supporters contend he provides valuable platform for UFO research and witness testimony that mainstream media ignores.

Broader Media Ecosystem and Recent Work

Beyond Cuarto Milenio, Jiménez expanded his media presence in the 2020s. In 2020, he created the YouTube podcast La Estirpe de los Libres, reaching digital audiences beyond traditional television. The same year he launched Horizonte, a scientific divulgation program initially on Telecinco and later on Cuatro, demonstrating his capacity to communicate across entertainment and educational formats. Jiménez has authored multiple books on UFO encounters in Spain, including Encuentros OVNI: La Historia de los OVNI en España, establishing himself as both a media personality and published researcher. He is a frequent public speaker and has given 50+ television appearances across Spanish and international media discussing paranormal phenomena and UFO research.