On May 8, 2025, América TeVé, based in Hialeah Gardens, suspended its live broadcasts due to a legal dispute between its shareholders, particularly Carlos Vasallo, and Pegaso Televisión. This legal matter is being processed simultaneously in a bankruptcy court in South Florida and in a civil court in Delaware.
Both parties lack full authority over the company, as the courts reinstated the pre-2020 ownership distribution: 65% belongs to Pegaso and 35% to Vasallo. A Delaware judge ruled that neither party can inject funds without the other's consent, making routine operations impossible.
As a result, the team responsible for the live broadcasts was dismissed. According to El Nuevo Herald, they received their corresponding salaries and severance pay until the legal issues are resolved.
Programs such as “A fondo,” hosted by Cuban journalist Juan Manuel Cao, were suspended.
According to his statements, the suspension comes at the most opportune time for the program.
A recent conversation between Cao and attorney Ángel Leal reached 4 million views on YouTube in just three days. Videos with retired Colonel Octavio Pérez surpassed half a million views. The majority of viewers came from the United States, Spain, and Cuba, highlighting the program's broad reach.
After twenty years at América TeVé, Cao realizes it's time to reevaluate his career path. In a conversation with El Nuevo Herald, he stated: "I've always been very loyal to the companies I work for. My bosses know well that I've turned down offers and temptations, but now I have to reevaluate everything."
The reporter is open to the idea of becoming a solo content creator, but doubts it's as easy as it seems. "If I take the plunge, I'd like to do something different. I suspect it's not as easy as it's made out to be. Not everyone makes money. I want to continue doing journalism. What's indisputable is that social media gives you unprecedented editorial freedom," he said.
“If I decide to take the plunge, I'll try to create something unique. The reality is that success doesn't come easily for everyone. My desire is to continue practicing journalism. It's clear that social media offers unprecedented editorial freedom,” he adds. “We need to change the way we broadcast television, more than just the way we make it. And, on the other hand, sales departments need to find new ways to monetize the digital product. It's time to be creative, or perish. We have to adapt to the times.”
Currently, he will remain on América Radio (1260 AM), an independent entity from the affiliated television network. His show will be extended by one hour, changing its schedule from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
In conclusion, he expressed his gratitude to his colleagues at América TeVé and pledged to continue defending the cause from whatever position he holds. "It won't be the first time I've started from scratch. I'm still here, as a journalist, as a Cuban, as a free man."
