Cuban Journalist Claims National Media Operates Independently from Political Influences

Francisco Rodríguez Cruz, an official journalist better known as Paquito de Cuba and current vice president of the Union of Cuban Journalists (UPEC), recently appeared on Cuban television to assert that the island's media operates independently from any political or economic factions. He emphasized that their sole commitment is to "the people, to their community."

During his participation in the program En Tiempo Real, Rodríguez discussed the challenges faced by the state-run media in the current Cuban context. He pointed to what he described as the manipulative tactics of Western media conglomerates aiming to distort Cuba's reality. According to Rodríguez, the mission of journalism in Cuba extends beyond reporting; it includes "counteracting hostile media campaigns" designed to sow skepticism and discontent among the populace.

"We are living in times where fictional realities are constructed, inventions that reach Cuba and aim to influence our people's perceptions, discouraging them from supporting the country's processes and generating disillusionment, irritation, and skepticism," stated the journalist. Rodríguez attributed this manipulation to social media platforms and algorithms that "make you believe you're seeing what you want, when in fact, they show you what they want you to see."

The UPEC official, who has also boasted about his friendship with Lis Cuesta, the unofficial First Lady of Cuba, defended the state media model. He highlighted the recent Social Communication Law, claiming it aims to strengthen public media and enhance their economic management capabilities. "For over 30 years, discussions about a communication law in Cuba have taken place, and we've finally established legislation that covers not only media communication but also organizational and community communication," he explained.

Rodríguez acknowledged the public's high demands on state media, viewing it as a positive force pushing outlets to be more responsive, well-reasoned, and aligned with public concerns. "People increasingly demand a press that is faster, more assertive, more reasoned, reflecting the challenges we face and how we are addressing them," he commented.

Regarding media transformation in Cuba, he noted that 14 media outlets have adopted more autonomous management models, incorporating new funding methods like advertising and sponsorship. "The goal is for our media to improve the quality of the information they provide, but also to ensure better conditions for their journalists and workers," he added.

Rodríguez also stressed the role of official media in combating misinformation, asserting that Cuban journalism must be able to swiftly respond to external narratives. "When things aren't right, we need to report them, but from our reality, confronting manipulation and making the necessary allegations," he affirmed.

The statements by the UPEC vice president contrast with criticisms from large segments of the population and independent journalists, who continue to denounce the lack of autonomy in state media and the censorship imposed by the Cuban Communist Party, which controls all official press. These declarations follow a recent Mesa Redonda where participants claimed that Cuba has more freedom of expression than the United States.