Cuban Radio celebrates 104 years with awards and recognition

Radio Cubana marked its 104th anniversary on August 22, recalling its inaugural broadcast on that date in 1922. The first transmission, originating from Station 2LC in Havana and managed by the Casas Romero family, featured the weather report and main news of the day. Luis Casas Romero, a musician and patriot from Camagüey, is credited as the father of Cuban radio for establishing the National Radio.

The celebration took place at the José Martí Memorial, bringing together numerous officials and media professionals. Among them were Yuniasky Crespo Baquero, head of the Ideological Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party; Alfonso Noya, president of the Institute of Information and Social Communication (ICS); and Yuzaima Cardona, general director of Radio Cubana. The event emphasized the growth from a single station to over one hundred, fostering a community of broadcasters committed to public service.

During the ceremony, the National Radio Award 2026 was presented to journalist Bárbara Betancourt Abreu. Other honors included the Artist of Merit of Cuban Radio and Television award given to Julio Ramón Pita, Kenia Ortiz Osorio, and Pedro Martínez Arcos. The Nueva Generación recognition, for rising talents, was awarded to Yusuán Palacios Ortega, Yasel Toledo Garnache, Daymara Díaz García, Maikel Chávez García, Yaima Ramos López, Erick Méndez Díaz, and Alhija Villalón Véliz.

Additionally, numerous workers received the 100th Anniversary Seal of Cuban Radio and the Raúl Gómez García Medal. The Cuban Workers' Central Union presented Radio Cubana with the Proeza Laboral flag, accepted by Yuzaima Cardona, who noted the contribution of over 5,000 workers. The ICS also recognized the institution. The event concluded with a performance by violinist Lorena González Salas.

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that sonic seed has germinated a century later in a hundred radio stations, creating a family of broadcasters united and sensitized to their mission of public service.