The official presenter Michel Torres Corona surprised his followers by publicly acknowledging that state media in Cuba cannot always cover cases of corruption, even though some have already come to light.
During a recent broadcast of the propaganda program Con Filo, Torres Corona stated that "the success of any project that encourages debate online or discusses controversial topics in Cuba" is not so much due to its quality, but "to the gaps, to the spaces we leave vacant in the public sphere."
"Our media, our journalists do their work with minimal resources and without the empire's gold. Many times they do not have timely information to respond to the interests of the people or cannot cover cases of corruption that have even become public," he acknowledged.
He also pointed out the lack of institutional preparation for the exchange of ideas and the scarcity of spaces for real political participation, although he attributed factors such as the economic crisis, power outages, and mass emigration as contributors to social discontent.
The comment stands out because it partially breaks from the usual tone of the program he hosts, which is characterized by sarcasm directed at critical voices and the use of disparagement towards journalists, activists, and independent media.
Between lament and sarcasm
The statements contrast with the attitude that Torres Corona displayed at the beginning of the past week, when he mocked on social media the growing citizen calls to remove Con Filo from national television.
"Ah, well, if the Cubans are asking for it... let the Norwegians fund us!" he wrote on his Facebook account, ironically quoting a headline from CiberCuba that reported on the popular rejection of the space.
In that same publication, he refrained from commenting on the criticisms regarding the lack of resources to produce the program, which he himself had lamented days earlier.
Among the comments received, many internet users questioned the allocation of public funds to a production labeled as "unnecessary" and "biased," instead of using them for hospitals, schools, or medicine.
Torres' words do not remain as an isolated comment; rather, they add to a growing chorus of voices within the government that are beginning to point out structural failures in the state media.
Torres's complaint "has a tail."
Torres' complaint is not an isolated case. Interestingly, the official journalist Cristina Escobar also made headlines on social media that same day, with a criticism of the Cuban state press's inability to fulfill its social role and provide truthful and in-depth information.
In response to a post by Francisco Rodríguez Cruz, vice president of the Cuban Journalists' Union (UPEC), lamented that official media has ceded public debate to independent platforms like La Joven Cuba, which, according to her, are the only ones that have filled the analytical void.
Escobar called for a reevaluation of resource usage, television programming, and media discourse, denouncing that there is a priority placed on "filling the schedule" rather than providing useful and critical content.
This journalist questioned the coverage of the events of 11J in 2021. Her new statement coincides with the controversy surrounding the recent remarks made by musician Israel Rojas calling for "national dialogue" and reflects fractures within the state media apparatus.
“We are poorly off inventing enemies when we fail to see the ruins of our own means,” warned Escobar.
Constant complaints about a lack of funds in the Cuban press
The official spokesperson often complains on their social media about the alleged lack of resources for their program, despite being funded by the State and broadcast on national television.
He always maintains a critical tone towards content creators and independent media. He often accuses these outlets of receiving foreign funding and spreading "distorted versions" of Cuban reality.
"At the heart of all this is also money, the crisis, scarcity, blackouts, the growing dissatisfaction, frustrations, families being torn apart by emigration, and on the other side, those who only cover our miseries and mistakes while earning hefty salaries. It’s an unequal fight," he said on his recent program.
Its narrative of precarity contrasts with the state support it enjoys, highlighting that in Cuba there are no shortages of resources for propaganda, but rather for freedom of expression.
Frequently Asked Questions about the criticism of the "Con Filo" program and the official press in Cuba
Why did Michel Torres Corona criticize the official press's treatment of corruption cases in Cuba?
Michel Torres Corona acknowledged that state media in Cuba cannot always cover cases of corruption, due to a lack of resources and inadequate institutional preparation for the exchange of ideas. This statement surprised many, as it breaks with the usual line of the "Con Filo" program, which is characterized by defending the official discourse of the Cuban regime.
What is Michel Torres Corona's stance on the criticism regarding the use of public funds for "Con Filo"?
Michel Torres Corona frequently complains about the lack of resources for his program, even though it is funded by the State. However, he avoids speaking out about popular criticisms that regard the program as unnecessary and biased, suggesting that the funds should be allocated to more urgent needs such as hospitals and schools.
How has Michel Torres Corona responded to citizen demands to cancel "Con Filo"?
Michel Torres Corona has responded sarcastically on social media to the growing calls for the cancellation of the program. He has mocked these criticisms by suggesting that if it's being requested by Cubans, they should be funded by foreign countries. This attitude has been seen as disconnected from the real needs and urgencies of the Cuban people.
What role does "Con Filo" play in the propaganda of the Cuban regime?
"Con Filo" is a propaganda program produced by the state portal Cubadebate and aired during prime time on national television. Its aim is to discredit independent media and government critics, using sarcasm and content manipulation as tools to uphold the official narrative.
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