Podcast Summary: Chente Ydrach — CANCELAN A JAY FONSECA: UN BOICOT FABRICADO

Date: December 17, 2025
Host: Chente Ydrach
Guest: Jay Fonseca

Overview

In this special episode of Chente Ydrach’s podcast, the focus shifts entirely to investigative journalist Jay Fonseca, who discusses the abrupt cancellation of his prime-time television program Cuarto Poder on WAPA TV. The conversation delves into the possible reasons behind the cancellation—including economic pressures and allegations of a government-orchestrated boycott—while providing a candid look at the media ecosystem in Puerto Rico, the politicization of media funding, and Jay Fonseca’s plans to continue his work digitally.

Throughout, Chente and Jay dissect the intersection between media business models, investigative journalism, and government influence, weaving in personal experiences, industry anecdotes, and direct responses to critics and rumors swirling around Fonseca's career.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Background and Context of the Cancellation

• Jay Fonseca’s Cuarto Poder is an award-winning investigative journalism show, consistently #1 in its time slot, now canceled without public explanation, despite healthy ratings.

• Fonseca continues to have the highest-rated radio show (KQ 12-2 pm) and other ongoing projects (Masacote, Sesiones, SoLpresa).

  “Cuarto Poder… deja de existir. El martes que viene se muda el concepto de investigaciones a mi canal de YouTube, JFON CKPR.” — Jay Fonseca [04:13]

• Fonseca explains that while economic factors always play a role in television, he and Chente discuss patterns that suggest something more coordinated, possibly political, behind the cancellation.

2. Alleged Government Boycott and Media Manipulation

• Rumors swirl of a “boicot” (boycott) against Fonseca’s productions:

  • Exclusion from official press conferences and government communication.
  • No government ads on his shows, even when other journalists receive them, despite leading ratings.
  • The difficulty of sustaining investigative journalism when excluded from public funding streams.

  “Se sentía… un boicot a todo lo que es producciones de Jay Fonseca... programas carecen de anuncios de cosas de gobierno que otros compañeros periodistas sí tienen...” — Chente Ydrach [02:11]

• Fonseca details specific media mechanics in PR:

  • Government advertising and tax credits are decisive in local TV survival.
  • Selective allocation of government funds empowers the executive branch to reward compliant outlets and punish critical ones.
  • Emergence of new online news platforms suspiciously flush with government billboards and ad buys.

  “Si además de eso, tú das instrucciones a las agencias de publicidad de no quiero que anuncios estén en el programa de JFON Seca... No puede haber anuncios ni directos ni indirectos.” — Jay Fonseca [11:29]

  • Jay clarifies nothing he's described is technically illegal—but raises questions about civil rights and access to information.

3. Media Ecosystem: Competition, Economics & Political Influence

• Investigation is expensive, sponsors are fewer, and the traditional ad landscape shrinks as banks, insurers, and telecoms consolidate.

  “Puerto Rico ya no tiene los 20 bancos... antes había mucho más. Nueve bancos que se anunciaban; ahora son dos que realmente se anuncian.” — Jay Fonseca [07:57]

• Fonseca connects these pressures to increased governmental leverage: direct ads, credits, and competitive environment encourage soft censorship—media outlets may hesitate to antagonize government sources and funders.

• Jay’s analysis: Puerto Rico is seeing a rise in news outlets that receive state funding and focus more on "manufactured consent," echoing ideas of Chomsky (as cited by a clip featured in the episode) [20:55].

4. Industry & Personal Dynamics

• Chente and Jay dissect how politicians (e.g., Alexandra Lúgaro, Rivera Schatz) and media figures navigate, manipulate, and benefit from their media presence.

• They also touch on rivalries, public criticism, and how media environments can shift someone’s reputation over time.

  “Parte de lo que ocurrió, parte del boicotes que precisamente si tú no, para que yo voy a confrontarme con Jaycee, Yo puedo ir al programa de fulano, mengano, sutano y me va a ir más fácil.” — Jay Fonseca [36:45]

5. Public & Media Criticism—Addressing Rumors and Misinformation

• Jay responds to direct attacks and rumors about his impartiality, supposed federal collaboration, interpersonal drama (e.g., Sixto George’s accusations, ex-colleague controversies, and Molusco/Lúgaro criticisms).

  “Sixto dice que yo soy un agente del FBI... porque yo fui testigo en el caso. Eso es verdad, eso no me hace a mí un agente federal...” — Jay Fonseca [38:53]

• He’s candid about disagreements, transparency, and his willingness to have unedited, non-monetized live conversations with critics—none of whom accept his invitations.

6. Rebuilding and Transitioning to Digital

• Jay announces plans to migrate his investigative team and content—under a new name, since “Cuarto Poder” belongs to WAPA—to YouTube and premium digital platforms.

• Expresses commitment to integrity and investigative rigor even if it means a smaller, more independent operation.

  “Yo les garantizo que va a haber contenido de calidad... las investigaciones que hagamos las tiraremos... primero en mi canal de miembros y después en mi canal.” — Jay Fonseca [56:17]

7. Personal Reflections, Responsibility, and Emotional Impact

• Jay shares the emotional toll of layoffs, professional betrayal, and public misperceptions, but remains clear on his values and mission.

  “Yo defiendo mi credibilidad hasta lo último. Es que es lo único que yo tengo, brother. Yo no quiero que el apellido Fonseca se manche como eso es lo único que yo tengo.” — Jay Fonseca [55:31]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Aquí nadie se chupa el dedo.” — Jay Fonseca [04:02], summing up the skepticism and media literacy that he hopes audiences will bring.
• “El poder del estado para decidir que se pauta y que no...” — Jay Fonseca [13:18]
• “Yo no hago esto por dinero… Yo creo que Puerto Rico tiene tanto potencial…” — Jay Fonseca [29:28]
• “Me duele. ¿Sabes lo que es eso, Chente? Tú tener que decirle a padres y madres de familia en la Navidad...” — Jay Fonseca [62:36], reflecting the toll on his staff.
• “Internet es diferente a la televisión… Tu contenido acá sí es más libre.” — Chente Ydrach [66:24]
• “Integridad sobre todas las cosas.” — Chente Ydrach [68:39] closing the discussion.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:57] — Jay explains Cuarto Poder cancellation, outlines show’s format and impact.
• [04:02] — “Aquí nadie se chupa el dedo” t-shirt anecdote & slogan.
• [11:29] — Detailed description of indirect government media controls (ad buys, incentives).
• [20:55] — Malcolm X / Noam Chomsky clip on media power & “manufacturing consent.”
• [22:48] — Decline in overall TV/radio viewership—shift to digital & context for all media.
• [29:28] — Jay’s personal motivation and philosophy about journalism over profit.
• [35:08] — Jay reflects on evolving interview style and political media strategy.
• [38:53] — Response to Sixto George’s claims; explaining the difference between testimony and being a “federal agent.”
• [55:31] — Jay on defending his credibility at all costs.
• [56:17] — Jay confirms move of investigative team and content to his YouTube channel.
• [62:33] — Human cost: layoffs stemming from the show’s cancellation.
• [66:24] — Chente and Jay on contrasts between TV and Internet.
• [68:24] — Jay expresses gratitude for loyal sponsors and closes with hope for the future.

Final Thoughts

The episode is a wide-ranging, raw, and deeply personal exploration of modern media challenges, institutional power, and the ethics of journalism in Puerto Rico. Jay Fonseca is unwavering about his mission and invites his audience to support independent journalism via new digital channels. Chente closes with a call to support Jay’s platforms, reinforcing themes of authenticity and resilience against concerted efforts to silence critical reporting.