The Cuban journalist Oliver Zamora, correspondent for the RT channel, defended during the V International Homeland Colloquium the need for alternative media to work in coordination to present a reality that is not distorted by major media outlets.
Zamora participated in the event held from April 16 to 18 in Havana, organized by the Union of Journalists of Cuba (UPEC) and closed by Miguel Díaz-Canel. His statements were captured in a video published by Cubadebate on Facebook.
"The greatest contribution that Patria can make is to become a space where we can see each other's faces, those of us who aspire to be alternative media, showcasing a reality not distorted by the major news outlets," he said.
Oliver Zamora's statements ignore an evident reality: it is precisely the official media aligned with the regime—like those he collaborates with—that have been hiding or downplaying the crisis on the island for years.
Speaking of "not distorting reality" in Cuba, while the shortage of goods, the rise of extreme poverty, the migration crisis, the impact of blackouts, inflation, and the repression against critical voices are silenced, represents a complete disconnection from the everyday experiences of the citizens.
More than promoting transparent journalism, this discourse reinforces a controlled narrative that excludes the real difficulties of the country and limits the right of Cubans to be informed with rigor and diversity.
In the journalist's view, the Patria Colloquium is the space for those "sincere media" (which he includes the Cuban official media among) to meet in Havana and "exchange experiences, get to know each other, and establish working relationships."
Zamora pointed directly at the large media conglomerates, accusing them of operating in service of political interests.
"The major media, which operate like large corporations with significant political interests, are subordinated to the political interests of many governments and various political classes; they do work in a coordinated manner."
As a concrete example of that coordination, he pointed to the coverage of Cuba: "When one analyzes, for example, how the reality of Cuba is portrayed in certain media, you realize that there is a coherence. They are in agreement."
Based on that diagnosis, he called on the media he refers to as "alternative" to replicate that strategy.
"Alternative media, the media that aim to present a reality, a different perspective on reality, also need to work in coordination," he said.
Zamora collaborates with RT, TeleSUR, Cuban Television and Cubadebate, all of which are media outlets aligned with governments that support the Cuban regime.
The V Coloquio Patria brought together 154 international guests from 23 countries and over 3,000 national participants, with the presence of media outlets such as RT, Sputnik, and TeleSUR.
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