20/06/2026 13:34 - Entretenimiento
Un conductor de televisión hablando frente a micrófonos profesionales en un estudio de radio/streaming moderno, con luces led de colores y monitores en el fondo, expresión seria pero comprensiva
Mario Pergolini, one of Argentina's most influential media personalities, joined the conversation surrounding the scandal involving Florencia Peña on Luzu TV, but with a markedly different stance from most public figures. Instead of criticizing, the Vorterix host came out to support the actress and delivered a phrase that sparked debate: "I also blame the production team if I say something ridiculous".
The controversy originated when Peña announced on air that Jorge Messi, father of football legend Lionel Messi, had passed away, information that turned out to be completely false. The news went viral during the 2026 World Cup and triggered a major crisis at the streaming channel, which ultimately severed ties with the host and the involved producers.
Pergolini, who pioneered streaming in Argentina with Vorterix, recalled experiencing something similar early in his career: "I was young, probably 23 or 24 years old, and I said: Phil Collins is dead. He hadn't died, and I knew he hadn't died", he recounted about an episode during his time at Rock & Pop, one of Argentina's most iconic radio stations.
The host explained how the false information spread rapidly: "Two hours later, another radio station started a special program, recounting how Phil Collins had died. I started getting desperate. I was young and someone else was joining something that wasn't true". He even mentioned that a record company bought many albums anticipating increased sales due to the musician's supposed death.
Regarding Peña's responsibility, Pergolini was clear: "She blamed the production team. I'd do the same if I said something absurd. I have no filter". And he added: "If they tell me 'say such and such' through my earpiece, I'll say it".
Who is Mario Pergolini? A legendary Argentine radio and TV host, founder of Vorterix, one of the first traditional media figures to successfully transition to streaming in Latin America.
Who is Florencia Peña? A famous Argentine actress and television host, known for her work in telenovelas and as a panelist on various shows.
What is Luzu TV? An Argentine streaming channel founded by influencer Luzu, one of the most popular digital platforms in the country, competing with traditional television.
Pergolini questioned the obsession with being first to report: "Today it makes no sense who says it first", he stated. And he exemplified: "Two weeks ago, who was the first to report that Indio Solari died? You don't know, because it doesn't matter who said it first".
He also pointed out errors made by traditional media outlets that often judge new digital formats: "I heard 'Scioli is president' two minutes after an election ended. I saw Katy Perry with Cristina Kirchner at San José 1111 as a fake but real-looking photo".
About streaming, he concluded: "They're young, it's a playground, they're learning. And there are also very serious streaming channels. To justify adulthood by saying these kids are doing nonsense, that's not true".
World Cup Performance: Lionel Messi had scored a hat-trick against Algeria on June 16, 2026 in Kansas City, equaling Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals.
Celia Messi's Reaction: According to Yanina Latorre, a well-known Argentine journalist, Lionel Messi's mother contacted Peña to accept her apologies, emphasizing that the mistake was not made in bad faith.
The debate about responsibility in spreading fake news and the pressure for immediacy remains open, with figures like Pergolini offering a perspective that nuances the widespread condemnation and reminds us that mistakes are also part of learning in media, whether traditional or digital.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
