After the abrupt closure of live broadcasts on América Tevé, a decision prompted by legal disputes among shareholders, and the subsequent cancellation of his program A Fondo, the renowned Cuban journalist Juan Manuel Cao has decided not to give up.
Cao has launched a new YouTube channel, a space that starts from scratch but with a clear ambition: to become a platform for exile, plurality, and truth.
“This is the channel of exile, of effort, of freedom, and of challenge. We have not surrendered, and we will not do so now,” emphasized the communicator in a recent video where he showcased the studio from which he plans to broadcast, which is currently in the preparation phase.
From América Tevé to independent entrepreneurship
For almost two decades, Cao was an emblematic figure of the channel América Tevé, until on May 8th, the television station, based in Hialeah Gardens, suspended its live productions due to internal litigation.
"On May 8, live productions were temporarily suspended," the channel stated in a statement, leaving key informational programs for the South Florida community in limbo.
As a result of this situation, Cao found himself unemployed. However, instead of being paralyzed, he activated networks of solidarity and launched a new channel from South Florida, which already has a studio under construction located at 2470 NW 102nd Pl #107, in the city of Doral, in Miami-Dade County, next to the offices of the real estate firm Miami New Realtor, owned by businessman Manny Bouza.
A study with a sense of community
The channel, temporarily named Juan Manuel Cao Live, is being set up with donations and the efforts of former colleagues from América Tevé, technicians and communicators with extensive experience.
“I’m not going to name my channel, I say our channel because this is the result of the support from all of you,” the journalist stated in the video where he showcased the progress of the studio.
The space includes an executive lounge for sponsors, a sales department in training, and a studio equipped with 4K cameras, high-fidelity monitors, and control systems for multiple panels.
“It's not anyone's money backing this, there is support from everyone here”, he explained, making it clear that there is no corporate financing but rather direct backing from the Cuban community in exile.
Technology, collaboration, and shared dreams
During the tour he offered to his followers, Cao emphasized that everything is being meticulously crafted: from the tables for the interviews to the lighting and the arrangement of the furniture.
A café was even set up for guests and collaborators, with the aim of fostering a collaborative work environment.
One of the key collaborators is Didier Salto, a producer with experience in programs such as A Fondo and El Espejo. Salto is part of a team with a deep understanding of the field and a clear commitment to free journalism.
In Cao's words: “Each collaborator contributes their best so that the channel can grow and fulfill its mission.”
A plural channel, without political labels
Unlike other media outlets constrained by corporate or partisan editorial lines, Juan Manuel Cao's channel has defined itself as a platform for free expression.
“We are not giving a political speech, but rather creating a space for freedom and diversity of opinions,” he affirmed.
This commitment to plurality translates into a genuine openness to all ideological currents: Democrats, Republicans, and independents will have a place.
“The new channel is not defined by a single political line or by particular interests”, he pointed out, making it clear that the main purpose is to inform and represent the diverse exile communities.
A news broadcast of our own and the promise of the future
One of Juan Manuel Cao's most cherished dreams was to have his own news program, and now he is closer to making it a reality. Although the newsroom is still in the setup phase, it already reflects a spirit of commitment to informational excellence.
“The idea is to grow, improve the infrastructure, expand coverage, and consolidate a space where information and truth are the fundamental pillars”, he said.
In this new professional chapter, Cao aims not only to continue informing but also to inspire.
"This channel represents the effort of those who have had to leave their countries and start anew," he expressed, visibly moved.
"We have a 100% Cuban channel! The corojo has been broken!"; "What joy I feel in my heart seeing my free Cubans supporting an important cause, like the voice of Cao, deeply denouncing the regime"; "Many blessings for that great project, necessary for the exile," are just three of the more than three thousand positive comments and good wishes that many Cubans—both inside and outside the U.S.—have left for the journalist in recent hours.
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