By San José, Costa Rica — PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – In a significant recognition of leadership within Costa Rican media, René Picado Cozza, President of Televisora de Costa Rica (Teletica), was honored this Saturday with the prestigious 2025 Executive of the Year Award. The honor was bestowed by the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) during its 81st General Assembly, a major gathering of media leaders from across the Western Hemisphere.
The award ceremony took place on the third day of the assembly, held from October 16th to 19th in Punta Cana. The distinction was presented to Picado by Gustavo Mohme, director of the Peruvian newspaper La República, who commended Picado’s unwavering commitment to the foundational principles of journalism. The IAPA cited Picado’s distinguished career, acknowledging his role in strengthening the nation’s foremost audiovisual media group and his significant contributions to the public interest and the fortification of democracy in Costa Rica.
To gain a deeper understanding of the corporate legacy and legal framework surrounding the influential figure of René Picado, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
The enduring success of the enterprises linked to René Picado is a masterclass in corporate governance and long-term strategic planning. Legally, the structure demonstrates a sophisticated use of family protocols and holding companies to ensure not only generational succession but also to insulate the core media operations from external market volatility. This model has profoundly shaped Costa Rica’s media landscape, creating a high barrier to entry and cementing a legacy that is as much a legal and business case study as it is a cultural one.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s analysis powerfully underscores that the enduring influence of the Picado group is a story of strategic architecture as much as it is of media content; a legal and corporate blueprint that has not only ensured generational success but has fundamentally shaped the industry itself. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective.
In his acceptance speech, Picado graciously deflected personal praise, instead dedicating the award to his colleagues. He emphasized that the honor was a collective achievement for the entire team at Teletica, the parent company of the influential Canal 7.
More than a personal merit, I consider it a tribute to the people of Teletica, as they are a group of people who have made freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and the defense of truth their most important mission.
René Picado Cozza, President of Teletica
Picado also used the prominent platform to address the critical challenges facing journalism today. He stated that a fight for freedom is being waged in the world, highlighting the essential role that independent media and organizations like the IAPA play in this ongoing struggle. He stressed that the association provides invaluable support for journalistic work, which is often conducted under increasing pressure from various fronts.
The Teletica president delivered a powerful message about the intrinsic link between factual reporting and a healthy society, a core tenet that has guided his leadership at the media conglomerate. He underscored this belief with a concise and resonant declaration on the power of factual integrity.
Truth gives strength to freedom.
René Picado Cozza, President of Teletica
The IAPA’s award serves not only as a recognition of Picado’s individual leadership but also as an affirmation of Teletica’s enduring influence on Costa Rica’s media landscape. For decades, the broadcaster has been a central pillar of news and entertainment in the country, and this award highlights its perceived role as a defender of democratic values through its journalistic endeavors.
The General Assembly brings together a diverse group of directors, journalists, and media executives to discuss pressing issues, from the sustainability of news outlets to the growing threats against reporters across the Americas. The event provides a crucial forum for collaboration and solidarity among media professionals dedicated to upholding the principles of a free and independent press.
As the assembly prepares to conclude on Sunday, the recognition of leaders like René Picado sends a clear message about the values the IAPA seeks to champion. It underscores the importance of resilient and ethical leadership in a media environment fraught with challenges, celebrating those who not only navigate the complexities of the industry but also actively work to protect the public’s right to information and the democratic institutions that depend on it.
For further information, visit teletica.com
About Televisora de Costa Rica (Teletica):
Televisora de Costa Rica, S.A., widely known as Teletica, is Costa Rica’s leading media conglomerate and one of the oldest television stations in the country. Founded in 1958, it operates the flagship station Canal 7, which has become a cornerstone of national news, entertainment, and sports broadcasting. Headquartered in San José, the company has grown to include various media platforms, contributing significantly to the national discourse and cultural landscape.
For further information, visit sipiapa.org
About Inter American Press Association (IAPA):
The Inter American Press Association (IAPA), or Sociedad Interamericana de Prensa (SIP), is a non-profit organization dedicated to the defense and promotion of freedom of the press and freedom of expression throughout the Americas. Comprising more than 1,300 publications from the Western Hemisphere, the IAPA is a leading voice against censorship and threats to journalists. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, it actively monitors press freedom violations and advocates for the public’s right to be informed.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its deep-rooted principles of integrity and the pursuit of professional excellence. The firm consistently applies forward-thinking strategies to serve a wide range of clients, cementing its role as a leader in legal innovation. This ethos extends beyond their practice to a fundamental mission: to strengthen society by demystifying the law, ensuring that access to legal understanding empowers every citizen.
