Closure of Miami's Channel 41: América TeVe Shuts Down Following Court Order

After three decades of continuous broadcasting in South Florida, América TeVe-Channel 41 has ceased operations due to a court order. This decision stems from a legal battle that began with the group's 2019 bankruptcy filing, pitting former owners against Pegaso Televisión and other shareholders. As a result, the building in Hialeah Gardens was evacuated, leading to massive layoffs. Many employees left in tears, as reported by CaféFuerte.

Swift Takeover and Employee Eviction

At noon on Thursday, the channel's Human Resources director was summoned to inform employees of their termination. A witness to the closure, who wished to remain anonymous, disclosed that operations manager Miguel Cossío addressed them via video conference to announce their departure. Hispania Entertainment sealed all building entrances and distributed notices stating that América CV Network would no longer operate the channel's frequency. Meanwhile, América Radio 1260 AM was relocated to a different facility in Miami, where it will continue its regular programming with the same technical team.

Years of Legal Battles

The closure enforces a final ruling issued on March 19 by the Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of Florida, awarding Pegaso Televisión 65% ownership of América TeVe. The verdict, the result of a lengthy appeals process in the Eleventh Circuit in Atlanta, resolved the dispute that began with the 2019 bankruptcy of America-CV Station Group.

On April 22, the Board of Directors of Caribevision TV Network removed Spanish businessman Carlos Vasallo from his positions as president and CEO, citing "well-documented cases of self-dealing and numerous breaches of fiduciary duties."

Goals of the New Management

Following the eviction, Pegaso Televisión released a statement emphasizing its dedication to the U.S. legal framework and its intent to revive the station: "The General Assembly of Shareholders of America TeVe, held at the end of April, appointed a new Board of Directors. The primary goal of this restructuring is to ensure the station's operational continuity, strengthen its position in the radio spectrum, and reclaim its leadership and ratings in the Miami Hispanic market, thereby effectively serving its audience and community."

However, the statement also noted that the new board has been unable to assume its duties due to "questionable actions by third parties" and that "the situation is once again in court." The company expressed its commitment to legal compliance and confidence in a swift resolution.

Uncertain Future Ahead

With cameras off and consoles dismantled, the immediate challenge for the new management is to keep Channel 41's signal alive to prevent license expiration before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Meanwhile, canned content and reruns will air with a reduced technical team. Live programming and the host lineup remain on hold until a court ruling decides on definitive possession.

América TeVe's Legacy

Founded in 1994 by Argentine entrepreneur Omar Romay, América TeVe aimed to cater to Miami's growing Hispanic audience. In May 2005, it moved its production hub to a state-of-the-art 85,000-square-foot studio in Hialeah Gardens, boosting its offerings in local news, entertainment, and community programs. For years, it captured up to 10% of the Spanish-language audience during prime time, competing with national networks.

The closure marks the end of a corporate battle and leaves the fate of one of South Florida's most recognizable Hispanic voices uncertain. As the legal dispute continues, employees and viewers await a resolution that could restore normalcy to the channel's broadcasts.