In Santiago de Cuba, numerous media outlets and journalists expressed their sorrow on Sunday over the death of Sonia Franco García, a prominent pro-regime journalist who passed away at 86. Franco was a founding member of the Unión de Periodistas de Cuba (UPEC) and had a long-standing career in both radio and television.
The local channel Teleturquino announced her passing on their Facebook page, "TV Santiago," celebrating her over 50 years of service as a spokesperson for the Cuban regime. Known to her audience simply as Sonia Franco, she worked across various media platforms, both within Cuba and internationally, and was deeply involved in television and radio throughout her career. In addition to her journalistic endeavors, she also held managerial positions at different times in her career.
During her later years, she served as a correspondent for Radio Reloj in Santiago de Cuba before retiring. Her colleagues at the UPEC and other local press professionals remembered her for her dedication, ethical standards, and contributions to Cuban journalism, particularly at the local level, noting her alignment with the regime's views.
According to CMKW Radio Mambí, Sonia Franco passed away after dedicating five decades to journalism. Her extensive career earned her the "Mariano Corona Ferrer" Lifetime Achievement Award, a prestigious honor in the province, marking her as the first recipient in 2009. Throughout her career, she held positions such as head of the News Departments and reporter for Tele Rebelde, Teleturquino, CMKC Radio Revolución, and Radio Reloj, as well as being a notable contributor to Radio Mambí.
The radio station highlighted her international mission in the People's Republic of Angola and her significant role in training new generations of journalists. Víctor Hugo Leyva Sojo, president of UPEC in Santiago de Cuba, also paid tribute to Franco on Facebook. "A day like this underscores the impact of loss. I received the heartbreaking news of the passing of our UPEC founder and colleague, Sonia Amada Franco García. Details of her memorial will come, but her legacy is marked by a love for the profession, persistence, and an unwavering sense of direction. With the final embrace from the Union of Journalists, we remain committed. Thank you, Maestra," he emphasized.
On Saturday, Raúl Inocente García Álvarez, known as Garal, a notable photographer and journalist aligned with the Cuban regime, died at the age of 81 in Sancti Spíritus. According to official media, Garal was a founder of the newspaper Escambray, studied Philology at the Universidad Central Marta Abreu de las Villas, and had an impactful body of work centered on the Cuban Revolution.
Key Figures in Cuban Journalism
Who was Sonia Franco García?
Sonia Franco García was a renowned journalist in Cuba, known for her extensive career in radio and television. She was a founding member of the Unión de Periodistas de Cuba (UPEC) and had a significant influence within the pro-regime media landscape.
What were Sonia Franco's contributions to journalism?
Throughout her career, Franco held various roles, including correspondent and head of news departments. She was recognized for her ethical standards and dedication, earning the "Mariano Corona Ferrer" Lifetime Achievement Award.
What was Raúl Inocente García Álvarez's role in Cuban journalism?
Raúl Inocente García Álvarez, also known as Garal, was a distinguished photographer and journalist who contributed significantly to the coverage of the Cuban Revolution and was a founder of the newspaper Escambray.