In Santiago de Cuba, they mourn the passing of journalist Sonia Franco

Media outlets in Santiago de Cuba mourn the passing of Sonia Franco, a journalist with a 50-year career, founder of the UPEC, and the first recipient of the Mariano Corona Ferrer Award in the province.

Sonia Franco GarcíaPhoto © Ecured

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Various media outlets and press professionals in Santiago de Cuba expressed their sorrow this Sunday over the passing of the official journalist Sonia Franco García at the age of 86. She was a founder of the Union of Journalists of Cuba (UPEC) and had a long career in radio and television.

The news was shared by the local channel Teleturquino through its "TV Santiago" Facebook page, highlighting its work as a spokesperson for the regime for more than 50 years.

Facebook Capture / Tvsantiago

Sonia Franco, as she was recognized by the public, worked in various media outlets both in Cuba and abroad, and throughout her career, she was closely associated with radio and television.

Without stopping writing, he also took on leadership positions at various stages of his professional life.

In his final active years, he served as a correspondent for the Radio Reloj station in Santiago de Cuba before retiring.

The UPEC and colleagues from the Santiago press recalled their commitment, ethics, and contributions to Cuban journalism, particularly in the local context, which translates to a professional aligned with the regime.

According to the station CMKW Radio Mambí, Sonia Franco passed away at the age of 86, after five decades dedicated to journalism.

Facebook Capture / CMKW Radio Mambí

Her extensive career was recognized with the "Mariano Corona Ferrer" Award for Lifetime Achievement, one of the highest honors given by the press in the province, making her the first professional to receive it in 2009.

During her career, she served as the head of the Information Departments and as a reporter at Tele Rebelde, Teleturquino, CMKC Radio Revolución, and Radio Reloj, in addition to being a prominent contributor to Radio Mambí.

The broadcaster highlighted that it fulfilled an internationalist mission in the People's Republic of Angola and significantly contributed to the training of new generations of journalists.

The president of the UPEC in Santiago de Cuba, Víctor Hugo Leyva Sojo, also dedicated some words in memory of Sonia Franco on Facebook.

Facebook Capture / Víctor Hugo Leyva Sojo

"The significance of a day like this can remind us of the impact of absences. I have received the sad news of the passing of our founder and colleague at UPEC, Sonia Amada Franco García. Details of her tribute will follow, but the mark of her work is found in the paths of love for the profession, persistence, and maintaining our direction. With the last embrace from the Union of Journalists, there is commitment. Thank you, Teacher," he emphasized.

This Saturday, Raúl Inocente García Álvarez (Garal), a renowned photographer and journalist serving the Cuban regime, passed away at the age of 81 in Sancti Spíritus.

According to the state media, Garal was a founder of the newspaper Escambray, studied Philology at the Central University Marta Abreu of Las Villas, and "has a notable and extensive body of work on the Cuban Revolution".

Frequently Asked Questions about Sonia Franco's Legacy and Its Impact on Cuban Journalism

Who was Sonia Franco García and what was her contribution to Cuban journalism?

Sonia Franco García was a prominent Cuban journalist with over 50 years of experience in radio and television. As the founder of the Union of Journalists of Cuba (UPEC), her work and dedication earned her the respect of her colleagues and the general public. Her career included roles such as head of Information Departments and reporter in various media outlets, in addition to being a correspondent for Radio Reloj.

What recognition did Sonia Franco receive for her professional career?

In 2009, Sonia Franco García was the first to receive the "Mariano Corona Ferrer" Award for Lifetime Achievement, one of the highest honors bestowed by the press in Santiago de Cuba, in recognition of her extensive and dedicated career in Cuban journalism.

How was Sonia Franco remembered after her passing?

The journalistic community of Santiago de Cuba remembered Sonia Franco with respect and admiration for her commitment and professional ethics. Her legacy was highlighted by media outlets such as Teleturquino and CMKW Radio Mambí, which emphasized her dedication to journalism and her influence in shaping new generations of journalists.

What role did Sonia Franco play in international media?

In addition to her work in Cuba, Sonia Franco also completed an internationalist mission in the People's Republic of Angola, which broadened her experience and contributions to journalism beyond Cuban borders.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.