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The live dismissal of Gustavo Macalpin, host of the program Ciudadano 2.0 on Channel 66 in Mexicali, by Luis Arnoldo Cabada, the station’s general director, has sparked strong national controversy. The event, broadcast on October 7th, shocked both the audience and Macalpin himself, who received no explanation for his removal.
Cabada abruptly entered the live broadcast to fire the presenter during the last segment of the show, thanking him for his six years of work at the station and stating that his cycle had come to an end. Cabada’s exact words were, “Everything has a cycle in life, and your cycle has come. This is your last day.” Macalpin’s reaction was one of visible confusion, but he professionally continued the program, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to have led the television segment.
This unexpected dismissal triggered a wave of speculation on social media, where it was alleged that Macalpin was censored for his criticism of the husband of Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda. Macalpin himself, on his social media accounts, did not dismiss this theory, although he admitted he was unsure of the reasons behind his firing. “What I do is political criticism, so you can draw your conclusions,” he commented in response to his audience, inviting public reflection on the real motive behind his departure.
Although he said it was unlikely that his firing was a direct reaction to recent criticism, Macalpin hinted that Cabada’s decision might have been premeditated. However, the presenter remained firm in his stance that his work had always been characterized by discipline and dedication.
Several mainstream Mexican journalists expressed outrage, condemning the way he was dismissed and describing it as an attack on freedom of expression. Media like El Pais, Imagen, ADN 40, El Financiero, Radio Formula, and other national outlets covered the story. In several media outlets, concerns were raised about editorial independence in local media and the political influence behind such decisions, leading many to openly disapprove of Macalpin’s firing as a concerning example of possible censorship by the new government.
“This smells like a HUGE LABOR LAWSUIT for Channel 66 Mexicali! There are so many labor violations and aggravating factors in this video, committed against @GustavoMacalpin!!!”, wrote René Franco, host of La Taquilla podcast, on X.
Chumel Torres, host of Grupo Formula, commented, “Let’s not fool ourselves: this is censorship, no matter how you look at it. If the guy was talking about a certain governor, and the next day they fired him, what do they want us to think? Now, what I believe, I’m 99.9% sure they told him, ‘fire him live.’ If I had to bet all my money, that’s what happened.”
Torres added that Channel 66 will also face the consequences of this “punishment,” as Macalpin’s show had good ratings. “The thing is, when you have a lousy channel, when you’re in charge of a flimsy organization that shakes at the slightest pressure from power, well, this is what happens. They fire you to your face, in a truly degrading way,” he asserted.
In response to the censorship allegations, Governor Marina del Pilar issued a statement denying any involvement of her government in Macalpin’s dismissal. The governor defended the right to free speech and assured that she has always been tolerant of criticism, emphasizing that her administration had no part in the decision made by Channel 66.
The controversy over Macalpin’s firing reached Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who expressed empathy for the television host. In her morning press conference, Sheinbaum emphasized that it was essential for Macalpin to have his show reinstated. She also mentioned that she had spoken with Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar, who likewise disagreed with the broadcaster’s hasty decision.
“It’s a decision made by the director of Channel 66 in Baja California, but if the reason was that he spoke poorly about the governor or anyone else, I don’t believe it was the right call,” Sheinbaum remarked.
During the newscast, Channel 66 News Director Francisco Javier García Villanueva addressed the controversy surrounding Macalpin’s dismissal, admitting that the handling of the situation was flawed and created a challenging environment for all involved. While acknowledging that station owner Luis Arnoldo Cabada had the authority to make such decisions, García Villanueva urged him to issue a public apology. He further noted that Macalpin had become increasingly distant from the team in recent months, leading to a breakdown in communication. Despite this, García Villanueva praised Macalpin as a brilliant talent who is sure to find success in the near future.
Minutes later Cabada called into García Villanueva’s news program and publicly apologized to both the audience and Macalpin for the situation, admitting that it should have been handled privately rather than publicly. Cabada firmly denied any allegations of censorship, explaining that the decision to end Macalpin’s show was based on commercial challenges that arose after Macalpin reduced his show to once a week, making it difficult to sustain over time. Cabada wished Macalpin the best of luck and expressed hope that they could work together again in the future.
In a heartfelt message on his Facebook page Oct. 9, Macalpin expressed his gratitude to supporters after his controversial dismissal. “As ALL of you know, last Monday night I experienced one of the most humiliating, uncomfortable, unjust, and infuriating moments of my life. The owner of the TV station where I worked for seven years committed an act of aggression against me by firing me live on air, clearly intending to intimidate me. After that horrible moment, I went home, hugged my wife, and told her it was the worst day of my life. HOWEVER (and this ‘however’ is in capital letters), just a short while later, I was met with an incredible surprise: your overwhelming support. What seemed like a catastrophe turned into one of the most fulfilling moments of my life, and, more importantly, a huge opportunity for the future. I’m not the most religious person, but I can’t help but think of the phrase: ‘God works in mysterious ways.’ Honestly—thank you, thank you for all the support! I will always be deeply grateful to all of you.”
Macalpin captivated a wide television audience by skillfully blending his political expertise with a sharp, unique black sense of humor that made him a must-watch host on Channel 66. His ability to break down complex political issues in a witty and relatable way won him a loyal following. However, his sudden firing sparked significant backlash, with many viewers expressing outrage and calling for a boycott of the channel. As the controversy grows, it raises the question of whether Channel 66 and its owner can recover from the damage to their reputation.
Gustavo Macalpin, born in Mexicali on April 1, 1987, is a Law school graduate at CETYS University in his hometown. However, his true passion for journalism and communication led him to explore new horizons, specializing in political analysis through programs at prestigious institutions such as The George Washington University and Tecnológico de Monterrey.
His entry into politics was fueled by his role as the personal secretary to former mayor Francisco Pérez-Tejado, where he was also responsible for writing his speeches. These experiences not only shaped his career but also connected him directly to the world of media, a field in which he has made a significant impact.
The live dismissal of Gustavo Macalpin from his show *Ciudadano 2.0* on Channel 66 in Mexicali stirred significant controversy, with comparisons being made to the case of American reporter Keith Olbermann. In 2010, Olbermann, a prominent political commentator on MSNBC, was abruptly suspended from his role due to donations he made to political campaigns, violating the network’s policy. While his dismissal was not broadcast live like Macalpin’s, the public nature of both cases underscores the tension between journalistic independence and corporate decisions. Just as Olbermann’s supporters questioned whether his outspoken views led to his suspension, Macalpin’s audience is left wondering if his critical commentary on political figures in Baja California played a role in his sudden firing.
Both cases highlight the challenges faced by journalists when navigating political and corporate pressures in an era where the line between media ownership and government influence can blur. However, unlike Olbermann, who returned to his show after public outcry, Macalpin’s future remains uncertain, with Mexican media figures and audiences calling for answers and justice. These incidents reflect the ongoing global struggle for editorial freedom, especially when controversial figures challenge powerful institutions.