Michel E. Torres Corona, the host of the state-sponsored TV program "Con Filo," recently took to social media to vent about what he claims is a shortage of resources affecting the production of his show. While "Con Filo" is a government-funded program aired on national television with access to technical resources, Torres portrays himself as a victim of scarcity. "We're working with fewer and fewer resources," he lamented on his Facebook page.
The Root of Torres' Frustration
Torres' latest post serves as both an invitation for viewers to tune into his program and a direct attack on independent journalism and critical voices that don't align with the government's message. He criticizes the growing presence of debates and discussions about Cuba on social media platforms, often led by content creators who manage to reach larger audiences despite having fewer resources.
"Lately, there has been a surge in podcasts and talk shows discussing various Cuban issues," he noted, referring to alternative projects both on and off the island. According to Torres, these platforms spread "rather distorted" versions of the country's history, media, and economy.
Accusations and Allegations
Not only does Torres dismiss these voices, but he also accuses them of operating under foreign interests. "Some of these 'digital programs' are funded through promotions and follower monetization; others... well, they receive money from embassies and 'non-governmental organizations,' you get the picture," he claimed. This kind of rhetoric is common in the Cuban government's discourse, which often equates public criticism with alleged conspiracies from the United States or Europe, denying the legitimacy of citizen discontent or independent analyses based on official data.
Ideological Division and Control
In his post, Torres also draws a divisive ideological line. He admits that "critical and questioning spaces, debates among revolutionaries, for and by socialism, are scarce," but he outright rejects any critical participation in independent media. "I'm discontent with many things, but I won't voice them where my words serve to help the enemies of the Revolution profit, where my arguments only feed their business and agenda. It would give me hives," he asserted.
While he positions himself as a critic of the system, he does so within boundaries acceptable to the regime, assuming a moral high ground that invalidates other forms of criticism. "We need to be the critics, the subversives, the questioners, the ones who debate," he stated. However, such debates are only valid when they occur under state control, adhering to the Cuban cultural policy: "Within the Revolution, everything; against the Revolution, nothing."
The Victim Narrative
Torres frequently adopts a victim narrative, claiming that "resources are dwindling" for a program with extensive reach. This strategy is not new for him. During a live broadcast of "La Correspondencia," the digital segment of the show, he jokingly remarked, "Enjoy it because it might be the last," referencing ETECSA's new restrictions on mobile recharges. "We'll have to figure out how to proceed with the latest news," he added sarcastically, ignoring the evident state support he receives.
This scene sparked backlash among social media users. "This is precisely why data usage was reduced—to avoid watching the garbage that is 'Con Filo,'" one outraged user commented.
Despite his attempts to portray himself as a beleaguered communicator, Torres enjoys a privileged platform, funded by public money, protected by the official narrative, and supported by a system that silences dissenting voices. His constant efforts to discredit independent content creators highlight that while resources for propaganda are abundant in Cuba, authentic avenues for freedom of expression are not.
Resource Shortages and Media Control in Cuba
What resources does the show "Con Filo" lack according to Michel E. Torres Corona?
Michel E. Torres Corona claims that "Con Filo" is experiencing a shortage of resources necessary for production, despite being a state-funded program with access to technical resources.
How does Michel E. Torres Corona view independent media in Cuba?
Torres criticizes independent media, accusing them of spreading distorted versions of Cuban history and operating under foreign interests. He dismisses their legitimacy and portrays them as a threat to the official narrative.
What is the Cuban government's typical response to public criticism?
The Cuban government often equates public criticism with conspiracies from the U.S. or Europe, denying the legitimacy of citizen discontent and independent analyses based on official data.