TV anchor steps down.

Amid a controversy that arose over the weekend in the social media stratosphere, Channel 66 TV anchor Heriberto Norzagaray stepped down from his morning talk show.

The television personality, who has been for years a harsh critic of politicians on his “Sopas” show, decided to leave the company after a recording was posted on social media of a conversation between the anchor and the state’s spokesman Raúl Reynoso.

In the recording, Norzagaray requests a payment of 1.4 million pesos or $82,352 in government advertising funds.

Half of such payment was asked in cash and the other part under the advertising agreement.

Norzagaray also allegedly offered to attack leftist activists and provide positive comments to his viewers about Governor Francisco Vega, who is one of the state executives with the lowest performance evaluations in Mexico.

Rumors of the release of the recordings have been heard during weeks.

The anchor said previously that Reynoso has been under investigation for embezzlement of funds while working as spokesperson in the state of Puebla.

Norzagaray said he decided to step down in order to seek proper legal action.

Channel 66 General Manager and owner Luis Arnoldo Cabada said the company regretted the incident and wished Norzagaray to clear out the issue.

The incident was an isolated case and a conflict between individuals, away from the company and contrary to the television station’s values, he added.

“We totally disapprove [what happened] and elucidate from any responsibility,” Cabada said on the video. “For two decades we have been working to inform facts with transparency and objectivity. Our only commitment lies with the community.”

As of press time, no statement has been made by any state official.

According to Mexican law, it is illegal to record individuals without consent or court order.