Canal RCN premiered a new season of its investigative journalism program, "Retrato Hablado," on Saturday, July 25, 2026 [1].
The return of the series marks a strategic shift for the network as it attempts to blend traditional crime reporting with narratives of human resilience. By focusing on both criminal activity and social transformation, the program aims to provide a more comprehensive view of the challenges and triumphs within Colombian society.
The new season debuted at 8 p.m. [2] on the main signal of Canal RCN in Colombia [3]. This iteration of the show features a renewed journalistic approach designed to offer impact stories that promote social change [4].
Viewers can expect a variety of content, including the reconstruction of criminal events, and profiles of individuals demonstrating courage and solidarity [5]. The program seeks to highlight "inspiring heroes" through detailed investigative work [6]. These stories are intended to serve as catalysts for transformation, moving beyond the simple reporting of crime to explore the human element of recovery and bravery [4].
The production utilizes detailed reconstructions to bring criminal cases to life, providing a visual narrative of the events under investigation [5]. This method allows the network to present complex cases in a manner that is accessible to a broad audience while maintaining a focus on journalistic rigor [4].
By integrating stories of solidarity and bravery, the network intends to balance the heavy nature of criminal investigations with a positive outlook on social progress [6]. The program remains a cornerstone of the network's investigative portfolio in Colombia [3].
“The program seeks to highlight 'inspiring heroes' through detailed investigative work.”
The relaunch of Retrato Hablado reflects a broader trend in Latin American broadcast journalism to pivot from 'crime-only' reporting toward 'social-impact' storytelling. By pairing criminal reconstructions with stories of bravery and solidarity, Canal RCN is attempting to maintain high viewership through sensationalism while simultaneously building brand equity as a promoter of social transformation.
