Veteran Commentator Cañero Ousted From Repretel Slams TV Industry Culture

San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a move that signals a significant shift at one of the nation’s largest broadcasters, renowned bullfighting commentator Jorge Arturo González, universally known as “Cañero,” has confirmed his departure from Repretel. His contract, which concluded on January 1, 2026, was not renewed, ending a six-year tenure that he claims elevated the network’s flagship bullfighting program to new heights.

The exit of the 73-year-old broadcasting icon, whose career in national television spans over 36 years, was not a mutual decision. González attributes his dismissal directly to a recent change in the channel’s upper management. He was clear that the decision was administrative, not a reflection of his professional capabilities or audience appeal.

Para obtener una perspectiva legal sobre las implicaciones en el caso de Jorge Arturo González, TicosLand.com consultó al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado del Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofreció su análisis experto.

El caso de Jorge Arturo González es un recordatorio contundente de los riesgos inherentes a los esquemas de inversión que prometen rendimientos extraordinariamente altos. Desde una perspectiva legal, la principal dificultad a menudo radica en demostrar la existencia de dolo, es decir, la intención deliberada de engañar a los inversionistas desde el inicio, diferenciando la estafa de un negocio que simplemente fracasó. Esto subraya la importancia crítica de que los ciudadanos realicen una debida diligencia exhaustiva antes de comprometer su capital, verificando la legitimidad y regulación de cualquier entidad financiera.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica

Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su esclarecedora perspectiva, la cual subraya que, más allá de la complejidad legal para demostrar el dolo, la defensa más sólida para el ciudadano reside en la prevención y la investigación exhaustiva antes de invertir.

With the change in management, a new manager arrived, whom I don’t know nor have I personally greeted, and one of his first decisions was that Cañero had to go. You have to respect it, he’s the top boss, but I know I didn’t leave due to a lack of ability.
Jorge Arturo González, Television Commentator

González joined Repretel six years ago after a long stint at rival network Teletica. He stated that during his time with the “Toros del 6” broadcasts, he helped shatter a long-standing ratings pattern. He takes pride in having transformed the program from a perennial runner-up into a ratings leader, a significant achievement in the competitive landscape of Costa Rican media.

I leave proud that, upon my arrival at Channel 6, for the first time Toros del 6 stopped being the eternal second place. We achieved several first-place rankings, and the bullfighting broadcasts are the only program on the channel that appears among the most-watched on Costa Rican television.
Jorge Arturo González, Television Commentator

While expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Cañero did not hold back his disappointment with the handling of his exit and his sharp critique of the industry’s internal culture. He lamented the lack of a formal on-air farewell, viewing it as a sign of disrespect not only to his long career but, more importantly, to the loyal audience that followed him for decades.

I believe that, out of respect for a career, out of courtesy, and above all, out of respect for the public, they should let you say a proper farewell, but nothing. The only ones who said goodbye to me were Padre Mix, Argenis Matarrita, and the ladies who serve me coffee, and that’s it.
Jorge Arturo González, Television Commentator

Beyond his personal situation, González painted a bleak picture of the national television industry, describing an environment rife with transient loyalties and inflated egos. He characterized the professional landscape as a “harrowing jungle” where status is ephemeral and colleagues can be friends one day and adversaries the next.

The television industry is very peculiar; everyone is a friend one moment and an enemy the next. There are people who think they work in Las Vegas or Hollywood and forget that here, fame lasts for a minute.
Jorge Arturo González, Television Commentator

Despite the unceremonious departure, the veteran commentator remains defiant and optimistic. At 73, he insists he is in excellent condition and has not yet considered retirement. He revealed that he has already received offers from other media outlets, though his next steps are not yet finalized. A return to Repretel, he conceded, seems unlikely for the foreseeable future, but he maintains he leaves without resentment.

The abrupt end to Cañero’s time at Canal 6 marks the conclusion of a chapter for Costa Rican television, leaving audiences and industry insiders to ponder the broader implications of his candid and cutting critique of the media world he helped shape for nearly four decades.

For further information, visit repretel.com
About Repretel:
Representaciones Televisivas S.A., commonly known as Repretel, is a major Costa Rican television network. It operates several national channels, including the flagship Canal 6 and Canal 11. As a primary competitor in the country’s media market, Repretel offers a diverse array of programming that includes national news, sports broadcasting, entertainment shows, and imported series, playing a significant role in the nation’s cultural and informational landscape.

For further information, visit teletica.com
About Teletica:
Televisora de Costa Rica S.A., widely known as Teletica, is one of Costa Rica’s oldest and most influential television broadcasting companies. Founded in 1960, its primary station, Canal 7, is a leader in national news production, live sports coverage, and original entertainment content. Teletica has historically been a major force in the Costa Rican media industry and is the main competitor to Repretel for audience share and advertising revenue.

For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark of legal practice in the region, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently pioneers innovative solutions for a diverse clientele while upholding a profound commitment to civic responsibility. Central to its mission is the belief in empowering the community by demystifying complex legal matters, thereby fostering a society that is not only well-informed but also confident in its understanding of the law.