Cuban Journalist Juan Manuel Cao Proudly Unveils YouTube Studio as "Channel of the Exile"

Following the sudden halt of live broadcasts on América Tevé, a move spurred by legal disputes among stakeholders, Cuban journalist Juan Manuel Cao has refused to give up. Instead, he has embarked on launching a new YouTube channel, a venture built from scratch with a clear mission: to become a platform for exile, diversity, and truth.

"This is the channel of exile, effort, freedom, and challenge. We haven't given up, and we won't start now," emphasized Cao in a recent video showcasing the studio, currently under construction, where he plans to broadcast.

From América Tevé to Independent Endeavor

For nearly twenty years, Cao was a prominent figure at América Tevé, until the television station based in Hialeah Gardens suspended its live productions on May 8 due to internal disputes.

"Live productions have been suspended as of May 8," the channel announced, leaving key news programs for South Florida's community in limbo. As a consequence, Cao found himself unemployed. Yet, rather than remaining stagnant, he activated networks of solidarity and launched a new channel from South Florida. The channel's studio is already under construction at 2470 NW 102nd Pl #107 in Doral, Miami-Dade County, alongside the offices of Miami New Realtor, owned by businessman Manny Bouza.

A Community-Driven Studio

Provisionally named Juan Manuel Cao Live, the channel is being built with donations and the support of former América Tevé colleagues, technicians, and communicators with extensive experience.

"I don't call it my channel; I call it our channel because it stems from all of your support," Cao stated in the video where he displayed the studio's progress. The space includes an executive lounge for sponsors, a developing sales department, and a studio equipped with 4K cameras, high-fidelity monitors, and multi-panel control systems.

"There's no corporate money behind this; it's all community support," he clarified, highlighting the direct backing from the Cuban exile community.

Technology, Collaboration, and Shared Dreams

During the studio tour, Cao emphasized the care in every detail, from interview tables to lighting and furniture layout. They even set up a café for guests and collaborators to foster a collaborative work environment.

One of the key collaborators is Didier Salto, a producer with experience in programs like A Fondo and El Espejo. Salto is part of a team deeply knowledgeable about the media and committed to free journalism.

Cao remarked, "Each collaborator brings their best to help the channel grow and fulfill its mission."

A Channel for All, Without Political Labels

Unlike other media restricted by corporate or partisan editorial lines, Juan Manuel Cao's channel is defined as a space for free expression.

"We're not delivering a political speech; we're creating a space for freedom and diverse opinions," he asserted. This commitment to plurality translates into genuine openness to all ideological currents: Democrats, Republicans, and Independents are all welcome.

"The new channel isn't defined by a single political line or specific interests," he pointed out, emphasizing the main goal of informing and representing the diverse exile communities.

A Dream of News and a Promising Future

One of Juan Manuel Cao's longstanding dreams was to have his own news program, and now he's closer to achieving it. Although the newsroom is still being set up, it already embodies a commitment to informational excellence.

"The goal is to grow, improve infrastructure, expand coverage, and establish 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 barriers are broken!" "I feel such joy in my heart seeing my fellow Cubans free, supporting such an important cause as Cao's voice, denouncing the regime with depth," "Many blessings for this great project, necessary for the exile," are just three of over three thousand positive comments and well-wishes from Cubans both in and outside the U.S. that have been left for the journalist in recent hours.