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Noel Eusebio Pérez Batista, a National Prize winner of Cuban Radio and an important broadcaster from the east of the country, passed away this Tuesday in Santiago de Cuba at the age of 93.
His death was confirmed by the station CMKC Radio Revolución, where he worked for decades, and by publications from figures aligned with the government, such as the broadcaster José Yaser Centray Soler.
Born in Holguín in 1931, his career began at the age of 17 at local stations such as Radio Holguín and the radio station of Manuel Angulo.
Later, his career would take him to CMKC, from where he starred in moments that the dictatorship considers crucial in the radio history of the country.
Pérez Batista was the one who communicated the call for the strike on April 9, 1958, and is regarded as one of the founders of Radio Rebelde, one of the emblematic stations of the regime.
He is also credited with transmitting the historic message, “This is CMKC, Radio Oriente Rebelde! I am Noel Pérez, from M-26/7,” in the early hours of January 1, 1959, as events unfolded following the flight of Fulgencio Batista.
In interviews given in recent years, he recounted his connection with the 26th of July Movement, his work as a coordinator at the Santiago radio station, and the moment he received the order to record the general strike message for the entire country.
"Tell Fidel that the radio is willing to go to the last consequences," he recalled saying in those days, which underscores his loyalty to the government.
Despite supporting the regime, Noel Pérez is remembered as a respected professional for his dedication to the field, his ability to narrate with intimacy, and for a life characterized by consistency between words and actions.
From CMKC, your lifelong broadcaster, he has been remembered as a man "who proudly represents the name of the Mother Plant of the Radio System in Santiago de Cuba."
The passing of Noel Pérez Batista adds to a series of recent losses that have deeply saddened the artistic and communication community of eastern Cuba.
The designer and artist Marta Mosquera, one of the most recognized creators in the performing arts in the eastern region, also left a void in the cultural world of Santiago de Cuba.
The university community of Santiago de Cuba also mourned the loss of a respected professor, whose commitment to academic training left a lasting impact on multiple generations of students.
His passing was a reason for institutional mourning and led to numerous tributes in the educational field.
The journalism community in Santiago also suffered a blow with the death of the prominent communicator Sonia Franco, whose work in the official media was recognized for years.
His passing caused shock within the community and was widely shared on social media. The tribute to his memory highlighted his professional ethics and commitment to the country's official narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions about Noel Pérez Batista and His Legacy in Cuban Radio
Who was Noel Pérez Batista and what was his contribution to Cuban radio?
Noel Pérez Batista was a prominent Cuban broadcaster who received the National Radio Award of Cuba. He started his career at the age of 17 and was notable for his involvement in key moments of the country's radio history, such as broadcasting the call for the strike on April 9, 1958, and his role in the founding of Radio Rebelde.
How was Noel Pérez Batista connected to the 26th of July Movement?
Noel Pérez Batista had a close connection with the July 26 Movement, evident through his support for the revolutionary cause and his participation in historical events such as the broadcast of the general strike message. His commitment to the regime is remembered for his statements and actions during this crucial period in the history of Cuba.
What is the legacy of Noel Pérez Batista in the radio of Santiago de Cuba?
Noel Pérez Batista left a legacy of professionalism and dedication in the radio industry of Santiago de Cuba, particularly through his work at CMKC Radio Revolución. His ability to narrate with intimacy and coherence between words and actions made him a respected figure in the radio field.
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