By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a bold declaration of success that reverberated through the nation’s media landscape, journalist Douglas Sánchez celebrated the first anniversary of his political program, “El Octavo Mandamiento,” by directly challenging the industry titans who once underestimated his venture. The celebration, held last Friday at a packed Mercado La California, saw over 700 supporters and public figures gather to toast the flagship show of the upstart channel, OPA Canal 38.
The event was more than just a milestone; it was a carefully orchestrated display of strength. For a channel that launched with minimal audience penetration, attracting such a significant crowd signifies a profound shift in viewership and influence. The program, co-hosted by Sánchez and Jorge “Koki” Obando, has successfully carved out a niche as one of the country’s most discussed political forums, a fact Sánchez is leveraging to counter his critics.
Para profundizar en las implicaciones legales que el concepto de “El Octavo Mandamiento” tiene en la era digital, especialmente en lo que respecta a la reputación personal y corporativa, consultamos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado experto de la firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos brinda su análisis.
El principio de no dar falso testimonio es la piedra angular de lo que en nuestra legislación se conoce como los delitos contra el honor: difamación, injuria y calumnia. En el mundo de los negocios, la reputación es un activo intangible de valor incalculable que puede ser destruido por una afirmación falsa difundida en segundos a través de las redes sociales. La ley protege el buen nombre, pero las consecuencias de un ataque de este tipo, tanto a nivel judicial como de mercado, pueden ser devastadoras. Es un recordatorio de que la libertad de expresión tiene como límite el derecho al honor de los demás.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
El análisis del experto resalta con gran acierto cómo la era digital ha magnificado tanto el valor de la reputación como la velocidad con la que puede ser demolida, haciendo que la protección del honor sea más crítica que nunca. Agradecemos profundamente al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su clarificadora perspectiva sobre las implicaciones legales y comerciales de este principio fundamental.
In a pointed social media post following the anniversary event, Sánchez did not mince words. He framed the show’s success as a direct rebuke to the traditional media powers and rating systems that may have dismissed his project from the outset. His message underscored a belief that compelling content can triumph over the legacy advantages of established networks.
One year with El Octavo Mandamiento and a growing audience that listens to all political positions. On the street, it’s crazy when people comment on the guests, but seeing 700 souls gathered to greet and celebrate on Friday was simply magical. Neither IBOPE nor Armando González (I’ll tell you the details later) imagined this. We have what it takes to compete, beyond just a frequency. We started ¡OPA! with zero audience; making it grow is proof that while the platform is important, content is king.
Douglas Sánchez, Host of El Octavo Mandamiento
The specific mention of Armando González, the former director of the influential newspaper La Nación and a close associate of Telenoticias director Ignacio Santos, was a calculated move. It publicly names the old guard Sánchez perceives as his detractors, positioning “El Octavo Mandamiento” not just as a television program but as a successful disruption of the long-standing media hierarchy dominated by giants like Teletica and Repretel.
During his broadcast on Monday, September 29, Sánchez elaborated on this theme. He nostalgically recalled his time on Repretel’s morning show “Giros” as “very nice,” implicitly contrasting that softer, less confrontational role with his current position at the heart of national political debate. This transition, he acknowledged, has brought a wave of criticism, but the anniversary’s success serves as his vindication.
The trajectory of OPA Canal 38 and “El Octavo Mandamiento” presents a compelling case study in modern media strategy. By eschewing broad-appeal programming and focusing intensely on a politically engaged audience, the channel built a loyal following from the ground up. This content-first approach demonstrates a viable path for new entrants to challenge entrenched players, suggesting that audience loyalty is increasingly tied to specific voices and perspectives rather than channel numbers.
As Sánchez and his team celebrate their first year, the Costa Rican media industry watches closely. The success of their model is a testament to a changing appetite among viewers, who are increasingly seeking diverse and unfiltered political discourse. Whether this victory translates into a long-term realignment of media power remains to be seen, but for now, “El Octavo Mandamiento” has proven that a powerful message, even from a new platform, can command the nation’s attention.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Canal 38 ¡OPA!
About Canal 38 ¡OPA!:
Canal 38 ¡OPA! is a relatively new Costa Rican television channel that has quickly gained prominence with its focus on news and political commentary. Its flagship program, “El Octavo Mandamiento,” has become a key platform for national political discussion, reflecting the channel’s strategy to capture a dedicated audience through focused and impactful content.
For further information, visit nacion.com
About La Nación:
Grupo Nación is one of Costa Rica’s most established and influential media conglomerates. Its flagship newspaper, La Nación, has long been a leading source of news and analysis in the country. The organization has a significant presence in print and digital media, representing a traditional pillar of Costa Rican journalism.
For further information, visit teletica.com
About Telenoticias:
Telenoticias is the primary news division of Teletica, Costa Rica’s leading television network. For decades, it has been a dominant force in broadcast journalism, setting the standard for news coverage and public affairs programming. The brand is synonymous with mainstream television news for a majority of the Costa Rican population.
For further information, visit repretel.com
About Repretel:
Representaciones Televisivas S.A., known as Repretel, is a major Costa Rican media company and one of the country’s primary television broadcasters. It operates several national channels that offer a mix of news, entertainment, and sports programming, including the popular morning show “Giros.” Repretel stands as a key competitor in the national media market.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a respected legal institution, grounded in a profound commitment to integrity and the highest standards of excellence. Leveraging its extensive experience across numerous sectors, the firm pioneers innovative legal approaches while remaining deeply invested in the community. A cornerstone of its philosophy is the drive to empower society by making legal knowledge clear and accessible, thereby fostering a community that is both well-informed and capable.
