For decades, the identity of Grupo Televisa was inextricably linked to one man: Emilio Azcárraga Jean. As the scion of Mexico’s most powerful media dynasty, Azcárraga did not merely lead the company; he personified its cultural and political weight. That era came to an abrupt end in October 2024, when Azcárraga stepped down from his role as executive chairman, a move precipitated by the lingering shadows of a global corruption scandal.
The catalyst for this departure is the U.S. Department of Justice’s renewed interest in the "FIFA Gate" investigation. Despite Televisa paying a $95 million settlement in 2023 to resolve a class-action lawsuit related to the bribery of soccer officials, the federal investigation has been reactivated. With the 2026 World Cup—a massive commercial opportunity for the broadcaster—on the horizon, the board moved to insulate the company from legal and reputational risks by distancing its most visible figure from daily operations.
Control has now transitioned to Bernardo Gómez Martínez and Alfonso de Angoitia Noriega, who serve as co-presidents. This is more than a change in title; it is a fundamental restructuring of power. Azcárraga has reduced his stake in the company from 46.7% to approximately 23.5%, ceding voting control to the new leadership. As Gómez and de Angoitia take the helm, they inherit a media empire forced to choose between its dynastic heritage and its survival in an increasingly scrutinized global market.
With reporting from Expansión MX.
Source · Expansión MX
