Lawsuit

The drastic changes in the affiliation alliances set Miami’s television industry and Spanish-language press abuzz. Why did MundoFox suddenly associate with GenTV and drop América TeVé?

The answer may be found in a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Miami.

MundoFox alleges that, as a result of contract breaches by América CV Network, its initial launch “had less exposure’’ and “viewership was lower’’ because its programming was swapped to inferior channel positions on Comcast and wasn’t carried on DirecTV or DISH Network.

That made it more difficult to solicit advertisers and resulted in decreased advertising revenue, according to the lawsuit.

In a statement, América CV Network denied the accusations and said it will defend itself vigorously.

According to Calle, the Caracol executive, the speed of the negotiations did not give GenTV enough time to announce the changes to the audience.

In addition to María Elvira, several new programs produced in Miami for South Florida’s diverse Latin American population were dropped from GenTV’s lineup. Those programs were made by independent producers.

GenTV continues to produce The Tony Benítez Show, but MundoFox stopped airing it and GenTV plans to sell it elsewhere.

Salazar’s production-team members, who were employed directly by GenTV, were notified this week that they’re jobless. High-ranking producers will get severance. The rest of the team will collect salaries until the end of the month.

As part of the shakeup, GenTV general manager Roy Meyeringh also was let go.

Award winner

Born in Miami to Cuban parents and raised in Puerto Rico, Salazar has spent 26 years covering major news events around the Americas, an experience that has earned her five regional Emmys. In recent years, her program — which features confrontational debate — has migrated through various local channels, including América TeVé, MegaTV-Channel 22, and GenTV.

Station sources told el Nuevo Herald that Salazar is still negotiating the financial terms of her departure.

“I wish MundoFox the same success that I achieved on Channel 8. I belong to the public of Miami,” Salazar said, adding that she will soon announce her plans.