On Sunday, September 6, 2026, Colombian journalism lost one of its most defining and recognizable voices with the death of veteran journalist and television presenter Juan Guillermo Ríos. Recognized across the nation as one of the best-informed and most dynamic figures of his generation, Ríos left an indelible mark on broadcast history during an era when television and radio served as the primary lifelines for a nation navigating complex political and social landscapes.
From the Neighborhood of Manrique to the Pinnacle of National Broadcasting
Born in 1951 in the neighborhood of Manrique in Medellín, Juan Guillermo Ríos was the fourth of eleven children. His early commitment to storytelling and public discourse led him to study journalism at the Universidad de Antioquia, followed by specialized academic pursuits in Belgium. His professional journey officially kicked off in 1970 when he joined Caracol Radio, establishing a deep-rooted presence in Colombian media that would span decades.
https://x.com/NacionalsPasion/status/2096661871776395307
Ríos quickly transitioned from radio to television, where he achieved his most iconic professional milestones. During the 1980s, he took the helm of El Noticiero de las Siete (The Seven O’Clock News). At a time when Colombian television featured only three channels and internet was far from being invented, Ríos commanded staggering viewing figures. As reported by Caracol Radio, his newscast regularly captured over 70 to 75 percent of the national television audience at 7:00 p.m., making him a ubiquitous household presence.
A Familiar Sign-Off and a Commitment to the Hard Realities
Millions of Colombians tuned in nightly not just for the headlines, but for the distinct empathy Ríos brought to the screen. He specialized in breaking down the harshest national realities, including systemic poverty and persistent inequality, without losing his trademark warmth. Every single broadcast concluded with a signature sign-off that cemented his legacy in the cultural memory of the country: les deseo paz, amor y buen genio
(I wish you peace, love, and good humor).
His journalistic integrity and prominence also placed him directly in the path of the nation’s violent political turbulence. In 1982, Ríos was kidnapped by members of the M-19 (Movimiento 19 de Abril) guerrilla group. A few years later, in 1985, his journalistic output faced overt censorship. Despite these severe professional and personal perils, he continued his work across multiple platforms, including Televisión Notivisión, Caracol Televisión, Radio Santa Fe—where he served as news director—and the magazine Semana, alongside managing the communications for the National Police radio stations.
Overcoming Severe Health Crises and Mentoring the Next Generation
Beyond his on-air achievements, Ríos dedicated substantial energy to education and institutional communication. He served as a university professor at institutions like the Universidad Sergio Arboleda and acted as a communications advisor to various government ministries. His resilience was tested once again in 1998, when doctors removed a kidney due to cancer. Subsequent complications, including a perforated colon, peritonitis, systemic failure, and multiple cardiac arrests, left him in a coma for several months. Miraculously recovering from the brink, he returned to writing and mentoring young journalists.
In 2022, Ríos reflected on his extraordinary life by publishing his memoirs alongside his son, fellow journalist Andrés Ríos. These memoirs captured the triumphs, trials, and behind-the-scenes realities of a golden era in Colombian broadcasting. Having established his final years in his native Medellín, Ríos leaves behind a standard of rigorous reporting and public connection that modern media outlets continue to measure themselves against.
As the journalism community mourns this monumental loss, we are reminded of how deeply a dedicated reporter can shape a nation’s collective conscience. What are your favorite memories of classic Colombian television news broadcasts? Share your thoughts in the conversation below.
