Amid rumors about his possible return to television, Fernando Llanos seems to have found a new niche of joy and success on the TikTok platform. The well-known journalist, who stepped away from the screens some time ago, has been sharing content that reveals the secrets of his renewed happiness and well-being. His followers and fans, curious to know if he will return to the medium that catapulted him to fame, are captivated by his inspiring publications, where Llanos seems more energetic and happy than ever.
In dialogue with La República, Fernando Llanos also commented on his expectations with digital platforms and tells how he receives the support of Internet users.
—Fernando, you continue doing journalism, but now from social networks. How do you see this new stage?
—It's been new for me to get this (social media) working. I am walking hand in hand with the young people. They are mobilizing and building this. I am another member. I didn't know how to do a live, I didn't post on TikTok, but it was the young people and adults who pushed me forward. I wasn't clear about what I was going to do and it was them, the members of the community on my social networks. I am grateful for the affection and mystique of the people.
—In addition, you are facing a different audience than television, with other demands.
—We have not realized that the world has changed and power is today in the hands of each one. We continue to believe that the remote control is the owner of people's consciousness, but no, people have the power in their hands, because they choose who to see. And these digital formats allow you something that television does not: real-time interaction. I can go live and read them in real time, and that is magical, because it is like you are talking one-on-one with someone.
I am in a learning process, but these digital formats are the future of communications, because you no longer have the territorial limit of the screen. I can greet one person in Australia, another in Moyobamba and another in Puno. I think this is the future and the community is teaching me to adapt to this.
—You feel freer…
—It is free, you are not tied to a script or a template, nor to a particular format or news. We have a starting point which is 'The 5 pepas of Llanos', but they ask me to talk about different subjects. Initially, there are five topics, but I have to have seven or eight topics prepared, because people ask me to talk about those topics and I have to stay informed.
—Who helps you record 'Las 5 pepas de Llanos'? Do you record it at home?
—I record it at my house. I once bought tripods, which have been stored for years and, as a result of this, we took out the equipment. 'The 5 seeds of Llanos' is recorded by ChefThiagoncho (his 15-year-old son Thiago). My wife Rocío records some things, when they are more explanatory videos and we use a whiteboard for the content. Other times my daughter Arantza helps me, she knows more than me on TikTok and she is teaching me. On Monday we made a broadcast with more than 15 million likes. She is crazy.
Additionally, content creator Jorge Ramírez, 'JorGeek', has been generous with me, because he gave me tips. I didn't know the framing or lights. He began to explain to me everything about content creators without any commitment, he advised me and welcomed me to social networks, he even invited me to lunch. That's why I say that this experience is fantastic because everyone is adding something to it, everyone is trying to help me so that it turns out well. And on that path we go.
—You had a problem at the Metropolitano, what happened?
—What happened at the Metropolitano was that we were recording. The broadcasts we do on the street are at the request of the community. First, when I went to Congress, it was because that morning I asked (on my live) and they told me to go so I can inform them. Afterwards, they asked me to go out and help people on the street, because no one listens to them, so I went to the Metropolitano, to the Central station and the guards realized that I was broadcasting live. There were many guards who wanted me to cut the transmission or evict me, but the people were the ones who defended me. The Metropolitano users defended me and we ended up going to the destination.
—With this foray into social networks, do you see yourself returning to television?
—The only possibility I have to return to television is for us to have a program in which people participate directly. Traditional formats, sorry, but I already did them and enjoyed them. I'm not thinking about television, now I'm thinking about generating content that the community can appreciate and enjoy.
—Did you receive offers from other TV channels?
—I have received offers, but I have said no. I rejected one out of hand, because they wanted me to go make documentaries masked. I asked them if this was sponsored by a regional government and I asked them again: 'Who pays for this, the regional government?' and I said 'no'. Then, they asked me to do a podcast with a mayor and I told him I don't want to. They have offered me some things—and it's not because I'm arrogant—but I don't want to accept those types of proposals that have that line.
Next week I will go to a hospital to find out what people ask for. The same community asked me and I will go.
—You have many people who follow you and donate to you…
—Yes is funny. Last time, the congressmen appeared with caps and hats in the broadcast. Young people have a lot of power, because they can choose who they see and who they don't see, I am very grateful.
Fernando Llanos receives donations on TikTok during broadcast. Photo: TikTok/Fernando Llanos
Fernando Llanos thanks his followers for their donations. Photo: TikTok/Fernando Llanos
Fernando Llanos broadcast on TikTok from Congress. Photo: TikTok/Fernando Llanos
—Does the phrase “After the storm, the calm comes” describe you?
—I would change it to “God puts everything in i
ts place.” I lost my job, but in exchange for my job, I have found complete happiness as a professional and I am going through a very beautiful time as a human being. I no longer look back and what we do now, with the community, is the future.
—Did América TV contact you after your departure?
—No, but I don't care about the channel. I am interested in my colleagues and the people I love. There are people who have written me very heartfelt messages.
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