The official journalist Francisco Rodríguez Cruz, better known as Paquito de Cuba and current vice president of the Union of Journalists of Cuba (UPEC), stated in a recent appearance on Cuban television that the press on the island does not respond to the political or economic interests of any faction, but that its commitment is solely to "the people, to its community."
During his appearance on the program En Tiempo Real, Rodríguez discussed the challenges faced by the official press in the current Cuban context, which he argues is characterized by the informational manipulation of Western communication transnational corporations that aim to distort the reality of the island.
According to him, the role of journalism in Cuba is not only to inform, but also to "counter hostile media campaigns" that aim to generate skepticism and discontent among the population.
"We are living in times when fictitious realities are being constructed, inventions that reach Cuba and seek to influence the subjectivity of our people so that they do not support the country's processes, aiming to generate discouragement, irritation, and skepticism," stated the journalist.
According to Rodríguez, this manipulation occurs through social media and algorithms that "make you believe you are seeing what you want to see, when in reality they show you what they want you to see."
The UPEC official, who has also claimed to be a friend of Lis Cuesta, the NOT First Lady of Cuba, defended the state media model and highlighted the recent Social Communication Law, asserting that this new legislation aims to strengthen public media and enhance their economic management capabilities.
"For more than 30 years, there has been ongoing debate about a communication law in Cuba, and finally, we have achieved legislation that encompasses not only media communication but also organizational and community communication," he explained.
He also acknowledged that there are many demands from citizens toward the state-run media, which he believes is positive because it forces the media to be faster, better argued, and more in tune with the concerns of the population.
"More and more, people are demanding a press that is faster, more impactful, and more reasoned, one that reflects the difficulties we face and how we are resolving them," he mentioned.
Regarding the transformation of media in Cuba, it was highlighted that there are already 14 media outlets that have implemented more autonomous management models, with new forms of financing such as advertising and sponsorship.
"The goal is for our media to enhance the quality of the information they provide, but also to ensure better conditions for their journalists and workers," he added.
Rodríguez also defended the role of official media in the fight against disinformation, asserting that journalism in Cuba must be able to respond swiftly to external narratives.
"When things are not going well, we must speak up, but from our own reality, confronting manipulation and making the necessary reports," he affirmed.
The statements by the vice president of UPEC contrast with the criticisms from broad sectors of the population and independent journalists, who denounce the lack of autonomy in state media and the censorship imposed by the Communist Party of Cuba, which controls all official press.
Additionally, they have a recent Round Table as a precedent in which the participants stated that there is more freedom of expression in Cuba than in the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Independence of the Cuban Press
Is the Cuban press really independent?
Despite statements from the vice president of UPEC, Francisco Rodríguez Cruz, claiming that the Cuban press is independent, large segments of the population and independent journalists criticize this assertion, arguing that the Communist Party of Cuba controls all official media, imposing censorship and a lack of autonomy over the content that is published.
What is the role of the Social Communication Law in Cuba?
The Social Communication Law in Cuba aims, according to the government, to strengthen public media and provide greater economic management capabilities. However, this law has also raised concerns about an increase in censorship and state control over information, by establishing communication inspectors tasked with overseeing and auditing communication processes.
How does the Cuban press respond to criticisms regarding its lack of autonomy?
The official Cuban press, represented by figures like Francisco Rodríguez Cruz, defends its model and its role in the fight against misinformation, arguing that its task is not just to inform, but also to counter hostile media campaigns that they believe seek to distort the reality of the island.
What challenges does the state media face in the current Cuban context?
According to Francisco Rodríguez Cruz, the state-run press faces the challenge of responding quickly and decisively to the demands of the citizenry, as well as countering the alleged media campaigns that aim to generate skepticism and discontent among the Cuban population.
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