Reporters from Telemundo 51 and Univision have refuted social media claims that their networks have staff stationed in Cuba, amidst widespread speculation about potential on-the-ground coverage due to a possible political shift on the island.
Alexis Boentes took to Facebook to clarify, "I've been asked, and no, there are no Telemundo 51 reporters in Havana."
Similarly, Univision journalist Javier Díaz stated, "I'm not in Cuba, I'm in Miami, and so far, there is 'no journalist mobilization on the island.'
Contrarily, influencer Alexander Otaola claimed, based on various sources, that major television networks were gearing up for extensive coverage in Cuba in anticipation of an event "on the brink of happening."
During a Facebook broadcast, Otaola declared, "Television networks have been instructed to prepare for comprehensive coverage of Cuba. It's expected that at any moment, coverage will be required for something imminent... obviously related to regime change and the fall of the dictatorship."
He also mentioned that sources in Cuba confirmed to him that international media were gathered at the Hotel Nacional, with even a Mexican journalist assigned to cover events for Univision and Mexican channels.
Otaola emphasized his own anticipation, noting that he was "waiting to see what happens" and had been informed that "everything is already set."
"Based on what happened in Venezuela... things might unfold when we least expect them," he remarked, urging his audience to stay alert as, according to him, "events are going to unfold in the coming hours."
He assured, "It's very close; what's going to happen is on the verge of happening."
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that, within the newsrooms of major media outlets, there are indeed internal plans and preparation protocols in place for potential coverage of a change in Cuba, as part of standard procedures for high-stakes news scenarios, although no specific dates have been set yet.
Univision and Telemundo's Response to Cuban Political Change Rumors
Are Univision and Telemundo journalists currently in Cuba?
No, journalists from Univision and Telemundo have confirmed that there are no reporters currently stationed in Cuba.
What are the claims made by Alexander Otaola regarding media coverage in Cuba?
Alexander Otaola has claimed that major television networks are preparing for extensive coverage in Cuba due to an imminent event related to regime change.
Are there any plans in place for media coverage of a political change in Cuba?
Yes, it is confirmed that major media outlets have internal plans and protocols ready for a potential political change in Cuba, although no specific dates have been set.