Peruvian television presenter Magaly Medina has rejected an invitation to serve as the main host for the Telethon 2026 charity broadcast, declining to step in following changes to the presenter lineup.
Medina turned down the offer extended by Fernando Muñiz Bethancourt, chief executive officer of América Multimedia, informing him that she was not a second choice.
The decision was revealed on Wednesday, August 19, by television presenter María Pía Copello during an episode of her podcast, 'Sin más que decir'. Copello stated that she learned the details directly from Medina, who refused the role days after learning host Ethel Pozo had been removed from the event.
Rejection of the hosting offer
Organizers sought to recruit Medina to anchor the annual solidarity broadcast, scheduled for September 11 and 12, as they searched for a high-profile presenter of equal standing to replace veteran host Gisela Valcárcel. Valcárcel is expected to issue a formal statement in the coming days announcing her departure from the event.
The outreach to Medina followed the removal of presenter Ethel Pozo from the broadcast team. Pozo confirmed her departure after reportedly being vetoed for making critical remarks about the hosts of the morning program 'América hoy'.
Addressing the situation on her podcast, Copello explained that organizers required established lead anchors to guide the long broadcast and drive fundraising efforts. Copello said representatives called Medina, who hosts a show on rival network ATV, to ask her to lead the lineup.
During the episode, co-host Luciana Roy asked whether organizers intended to bring Valcárcel and Medina together on the same stage. Copello clarified her understanding that Medina was asked to replace Valcárcel rather than co-host alongside her.
Background and event details
Copello confirmed Medina's identity on air after live chat listeners correctly deduced who had received the offer. Pozo added during the broadcast that audience members in the chat were actively typing Medina's name.
The annual Telethon in Peru is a prominent televised fundraising marathon that brings together media personalities and broadcast networks to raise money for medical rehabilitation facilities treating children across the country.
Medina, known in Peruvian entertainment media by her moniker 'La Urraca', is one of the country's most prominent television figures and anchors an evening entertainment program on ATV. Valcárcel, widely known as 'La Señito', is a veteran presenter and producer who has long served as a central figure on América Televisión and in national charity broadcasts.
Copello is a former children's television host who currently works as a media personality and digital content creator. Muñiz Bethancourt serves as the chief executive officer of América Multimedia, the parent media group of América TV.
Organizers have not announced who will lead the broadcast on September 11 and 12 following Medina's rejection and Valcárcel's planned exit announcement.
