Concerns grow over Argentina government’s axing of Muslim program on state TV
El Calamo program logo.
In recent days, the Islamic Center of the Argentine Republic (CIRA), representing Argentina’s Muslim community—the largest in Latin America– is facing a setback. Its members are raising complaints over the removal of “El Calamo”, the only TV program showcasing Muslim culture and community issues, from the schedule of state-run TV Publica.
According to the program producers, they were informed without any official notification that they had to go off the air due to an order from “the highest levels” of the executive. The show, which has aired since 2011, was reportedly the only religious program affected by the recent programming changes.
Government denial
In response to the accusations, government officials insisted that “El Calamo” was not canceled but temporarily removed as part of a broader reorganization of Public TV’s schedule. Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni emphasized that the program would return soon, although no specific date was given.
“This is not about censorship or discrimination,” Adorni stated. “The program schedule is being adjusted, and all shows, including “El Calamo”, will be accommodated as part of this process.”
TV Pública currently broadcasts several other religious programs, including “Claves para un mundo mejor”, “La Santa Misa”, “Angelus”, and “Shalom AMIA”.
Online community
The allegations have sparked online debate, with CIRA using X (formerly Twitter) to amplify its criticism.
“The removal of El Calamo without explanation constitutes discrimination, censorship, and Islamophobia, undermining interfaith dialogue and coexistence,” the organization stated in posts accompanied by a video accusing the government of censorship.
Neither the government nor the channel issued a response until CIRA escalated the issue online.
Yusef Husain Hallar, a member of the production team, told Türkiye Today that there has been widespread solidarity on social media, with support coming from people of various religions and communities.
In the meantime, the center is broadcasting the program on its YouTube channel to maintain its audience, while the controversy remains unresolved, with CIRA continuing its criticism and the government asserting the program’s eventual return.
‘El Calamo’: Highlighting Argentina’s Muslim heritage
Since its debut 13 years ago, “El Calamo” has served as a platform for introducing the history, culture, and beliefs of Argentina’s Muslim community. Produced independently by CIRA and broadcast by public TV, the show has drawn a diverse audience, including non-Muslims interested in learning about Islam and the culture of Muslim-majority countries as a Sunday morning fixture from 8 to 9 a.m.
“El Calamo” has long served as a cultural bridge, presenting Islamic values and traditions not only for the Muslim community but for broader Argentine audiences interested in understanding the faith. CIRA underscored the program’s importance, stating it provided “a reference point for many non-Muslim Argentines eager to learn about Islam and its traditions.”
Enhancing ties
CIRA also plays an important role in connecting Argentine society and its Muslim community with other Muslim-majority countries. In 2020, the center hosted Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya, the minister of family and social affairs of the Republic of Türkiye.
More recently, in 2023, the center held an inauguration of new carpets at the al-Ahmad Mosque, a donation from Türkiye’s Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) with the participation of Omur Budak, ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Buenos Aires.
Additionally, “El Calamo” played a significant role in introducing various Turkish cities to the Argentine public.
