Longtime news anchor Gustavo Macalpin was suddenly let go during a live broadcast on October 7, 2024, following his criticism of a recent political appointment. Macalpin was based in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico.
Macalpin had spent seven years at Channel 66, where he hosted “Ciudadano 2.0,” a show renowned for its incisive political commentary. During the broadcast that led to his dismissal, Macalpin challenged the appointment of Carlos Torres – spouse of Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda – to the position of special projects coordinator for Tijuana. Torres’ new position and his close political connections sparked concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Shortly after delivering his critical commentary, Macalpin received a foreboding text message. In an unusual move signaling the seriousness of the situation, Channel 66 owner and general manager Luis Arnoldo Cabada joined Macalpin on set. After embracing Macalpin, Cabada announced his termination, saying, “I came to thank you for your last six years of work,” adding, “but this is your last day.”
The sudden dismissal of Macalpin has led to speculation regarding the relationship between Channel 66 and the Governor’s office. Macalpin later hinted on TikTok that his termination was probably due to his continuous political criticism. He clarified, however, that “it is something that the owner of the TV station had already decided after a long time,” implying that his critique of Torres was not the sole reason for his termination.
Francisco Javier Garcia, Channel 66 News Director, revealed that tensions between Macalpin and Cabada had been escalating, culminating in the decision to let Macalpin go. Cabada later called into Garcia’s news program to apologize for the manner in which the dismissal was conducted. On social media, Cabada noted that despite Macalpin’s qualities as an individual, he never really meshed well with the Channel 66 team.
Following the incident, viewers took to their social media platforms to criticize Cabada and blame Governor Ávila for Macalpin’s dismissal. The governor, however, stated on social media that she considers Macalpin a friend and expressed her best wishes for his future endeavors as a communicator.
Denying any involvement in the decision, Governor Ávila expressed shock at the sudden termination. She reiterated her commitment to free speech, stating on Facebook that she respects everyone’s right to voice their opinions.
The Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, called for Macalpin’s reinstatement during her press conference on Wednesday morning. She stated that if his dismissal was a result of criticism leveled at the governor or any other individual, it was inappropriate. The Mexicali Network of Journalists has yet to comment on the situation.
