Cuban opponents rejected the possible closure of Radio y TV Martí this Tuesday, arguing that this outlet has been essential for exposing human rights violations in Cuba and shedding light on the situation of political prisoners and activists on the island.
The leader of the Damas de Blanco, Berta Soler, has issued a statement recalling that in 2003, when there was no internet access in Cuba, Radio Martí was the only source of information about what was happening with political prisoners and the Damas de Blanco movement.
"What was happening live with the Damas de Blanco as they left mass was broadcasted on the Sunday news of Radio Martí. It was a voice of the opposition in Cuba. We were connecting from one province to another thanks to Martí, who spread the word that the female relatives of the 75 existed in Havana," he explained.
He also emphasized that Radio Martí has given a voice to human rights activists in Cuba, allowing them to denounce the repression of the regime.
"There is no human rights activist to whom Radio Martí has not extended a hand to raise awareness of their situation," he stated.
In her message, the representative of the Damas de Blanco emphasized that the closure of Radio Martí would be equivalent to silencing Cubans on the island and preventing the world from knowing about the actions of the Cuban regime.
"Radio Martí cannot be closed. It needs more coverage and more strength so that it can be heard throughout Cuba. It is essential that it remains," concluded Soler.
Furthermore, the former prisoner of the Black Spring Ángel Moya defended the station, located in South Florida, and argued that those who claim that Radio Marti was not heard in Cuba are trying to impose a false narrative.
"The correct way to say it is: Radio Martí is not heard because: 1- For 40 years, the communist regime in Cuba spent millions of dollars to interfere with the signal. 2- For years, no U.S. government invested millions to give Radio Martí the power to overcome the interference imposed by the Cuban communist regime."
It adds that the station "was heard on Medium Wave until 1998, at least in Matanzas, and on Short Wave, with some interference, all the time."
At the end of a Facebook post, he asked Cubans not to let it be shut down. "Let's save Radio Martí, because Radio Martí broke the censorship imposed by the Cuban communist regime," he emphasized.
Following last Sunday’s commencement of layoffs for all contractors at Radio and TV Martí, triggered by the Trump administration's directive to implement massive cuts at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), numerous politicians, opposition figures, and organizations have responded to the closure of these outlets, seen as a key source of information for Cubans both on the island and abroad.
The closure of these platforms has sparked an intense debate regarding their impact and effectiveness. While some defend their role in the fight against the censorship of the Cuban regime, others analyze the context in which this decision is made and its consequences for the exile community and the opposition in Cuba.
Among those who have reacted to the closure of Radio and TV Martí is the Fundación Nacional Cubano Americana (FNCA), which urged President Donald Trump via X to restore the necessary funds for these platforms to continue operating.
The administration of Donald Trump implemented a massive cut at the USAGM (United States Agency for Global Media) in response to the executive order signed on March 14, 2025, titled "Continuing the Reduction of Federal Bureaucracy."
As part of this decision, USAGM began to dismantle non-essential areas and operations, reducing its workforce to the minimum allowed by law. As a result, a significant number of employees, including those from its affiliates, were placed on administrative leave with pay starting last Saturday, with no clear date for return.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Potential Closure of Radio and TV Martí
Why do the Ladies in White oppose the shutdown of Radio and TV Martí?
The Ladies in White believe that Radio and TV Martí are essential for raising awareness of the human rights situation in Cuba and giving voice to activists. According to Berta Soler, leader of the movement, these media outlets have been crucial for conveying information about the repression on the island and enabling connections among activists from different provinces.
What is the reason for the closure of Radio and TV Martí according to the Trump administration?
The closure of Radio and TV Martí is due to a massive cut at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), ordered by the administration of Donald Trump. This decision aims to reduce federal bureaucracy and eliminate functions deemed unnecessary, directly affecting these media outlets.
What impact does the closure of Radio and TV Martí have on the Cuban opposition?
The closure of Radio and TV Martí represents a significant setback for the Cuban opposition, as these media outlets have been a crucial source for breaking the information monopoly of the Cuban regime. Opposition leaders like José Daniel Ferrer and organizations such as the Cuban American National Foundation warn that their disappearance exclusively benefits the regime and undermines the struggle for democracy and human rights in Cuba.
What do the defenders of Radio Martí argue about its relevance in Cuba?
The defenders of Radio Martí argue that it has been an essential informational pillar for Cubans, allowing for the transmission of news censored by the regime and giving voice to human rights activists. Over the years, Radio Martí has been crucial in countering the propaganda of the Cuban government and empowering citizens in their fight for their rights.
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