27/06/2026 13:13 - Entretenimiento
Ernestina Pais carved her name into the history of Argentine television by becoming the first and only woman to sit at the main table of Caiga Quien Caiga (CQC). For international audiences, CQC was a revolutionary mix of political satire and journalism, similar to The Daily Show, where hosts dressed in black suits and conducted irreverent interviews. Pais took the reins in 2009, replacing the show's creator, Mario Pergolini, a move that marked a significant shift in the local industry.
Her entry into the show wasn't planned. It happened almost by chance. Diego Guebel, partner at the production company Cuatro Cabezas, approached her at a social event. "He told me nobody knew yet, that Mario had told him the night before, and said: 'It's you'," Pais recalled in interviews. Despite her initial refusal, she accepted the challenge, stepping into the shoes of one of Argentina's most influential media figures.
She left the show in 2011 on good terms, citing the demanding night schedule and health reasons. "After so many years of happiness working in media, it's great to stop," she declared during her farewell.
On June 26, 2026, tragedy struck. Ernestina Pais passed away at the age of 54 in a train accident in Martínez, San Isidro, a northern suburb of Buenos Aires.
The incident occurred around 7:20 PM at the intersection of Sáenz Peña and El Cano streets. Her black Honda Civic was struck by a Tren de la Costa (Coastal Train) unit. Reports indicate the barrier was down at the time of crossing.
Caiga Quien Caiga (Let the Chips Fall Where They May) was an Argentine news satire program created by Mario Pergolini. It was known for its sharp criticism, street notes, and a panel of hosts dressed entirely in black. It aired originally on América TV (1995-2005), moved to Telefe (2009-2011), and returned to América TV (2012-2014), influencing TV journalism across Latin America.
Source: Infobae
Alfredo S. Quiroga
