Ismael Cala is an anchor and producer for CNN en Español. He is in charge of the primetime interview show, Cala, an intimate setting with the most powerful and relevant personalities of the international scene, from politicians, writers, philosophers, artists and celebrities, to scientists and sports stars.
Cala has more than 20 years of broadcasting experience in Cuba, Canada, the United States and Mexico. In Latin America, Cala became known on CNN en Español, covering important news events from the region as a substitute anchor. He has also been host and reporter for well-known shows in the United Stated such as Univision’s “Despierta América” and the Nancy Grace show on HLN (formerly known as CNN Headline News).
From his Miami studio, Cala has interviewed important figures of all walks of life, including: presidents Rafael Correa, Evo Morales, and Otto Pérez Molina; ex-president of Colombia Alvaro Uribe Vélez; Gloria Estefan, Don Francisco, Carolina Herrera, Deepak Chopra, Susana Giménez, Jennifer López, Joel Olsteen, Thalia, Anthony Blake, Juan Luis Guerra, José José, Cate del Castillo, Juanes, Palito Ortega, Verónica Castro, Elena Poniatowska, Guillermo del Toro and Cristina Saralegui, among many others.
Before joining CNN en Español, Cala was the host of “Calando Fuerte”, an América TV show in Miami. Between 2007 and 2008 he hosted the morning radio show “Ismael Cala y la Jungla de la Mañana” on Mega 949. Prior to this, Cala hosted TLN’s (Telelatino Network of Toronto) biographical show, “Calando a”. He hosted other series for the network such as “Fiesta Olé” and “Viva Auto”. In April 2008, he became the host of an afternoon variety show for Televisa’s “Canal de las Estrellas” in Mexico.
Within his journalistic career in CNN en Español, Cala has been in charge of morning newsletters on the weekend, and was the producer and host for the weekly show El Mundo Informa. Additionally, Cala presented news at other hours and has managed special assignments of the network. In Atlanta he has covered: the trial and death of Saddam Hussein, Pope John Paul II’s final days, and the referendum of 2004 in Venezuela, among others. Cala was the anchor who broke the news about the arrest and expulsion of the Honduras President, Manuel Zelaya. As a reporter, he has covered a wide array of stories, such as the SARS outbreak in Canada in 2003, hurricane Frances in Florida, and Pope John Paul II’s visit to Canada in 2002.
Cala received the “Somos” award for Best Communicator of the Year in 2003 in Toronto, the Canadian New Pioneers Award 1999-2000, and the 2012 ACE (Asociación de Cronistas de Espectáculos de Nueva York) award. In 2013, he was nominated by People en Español as anchor of the year and was selected “Personalidad Iberoamericana” in 2013 by the Organization of Iberoamerican Journalists (OPI).
His first book, “CALA Contigo, El Poder de Escuchar”, has become a best in the U.S. and Latin America. His second book, “Un buen hijo de P”, was published in 2014 with great success. He hosts conferences on leadership, success and personal growth.
Born in Santiago de Cuba, Cala graduated with honors from the School of Communications of York University in Toronto. He holds a Seneca diploma in Television Production. He also graduated with honors from the Universidad de Oriente in Santiago de Cuba, and holds a Bachelor’s in Art History. Among other distinctions, Cala received the Somos award as Best Communicator of 2003 in Toronto, and the Canadian New Pioneers Award 1999-2000. He speaks English and Spanish.