Many editions were filmed outdoors before large audiences, commonly featuring a local farm, factory, school, hospital, housing project or other public investment.

Although Chávez typically appeared on television several times a week, Aló Presidente was his opportunity to reach most families on their day off.

[citation needed] The show was criticized for its lack of seriousness, due to low production values, spontaneous announcements, random contributions from audience members, colorful informality and often outright tedium.

[5] During the March 2, 2008 airing, Chávez ordered a general to send ten battalions of troops to the border with Colombia in response to a bombing by Colombian forces inside Ecuador which killed Raúl Reyes, a FARC leader.

"[1] Nolan also notes the political imagery of Chávez' appearance in the title sequences; he was commonly dressed in a bold red shirt or in military uniform, often wearing a Che Guevara beret, and being swarmed by supporters.

[1] Aló Presidente spawned similar programs by leaders in other Latin American countries, including Bolivia, Ecuador,[8] and El Salvador, led by presidents Evo Morales, Rafael Correa, and Mauricio Funes respectively.

[14] Despite the international copies, Nolan opined that "with the exception of the logorrheic Fidel Castro, it's hard to imagine another political figure with the combination of manic exhibitionism and entertainer's stamina required to star in this sort of show".

[1] It was suggested by historian Enrique Krauze that the show was somewhat enjoyed by Venezuelans because it gave them "at least the appearance of contact with power, through [Chávez'] verbal and visual presence, which may be welcomed by people who have spent most of their lives being ignored.