The state-run media outlet Cubadebate recently published an article praising Radiocuba, claiming the company manages to keep radio and television services running despite widespread power outages and a crippling energy crisis.
However, the reality on the ground, as described by Cubans themselves in the comment section of the same publication, paints a starkly different picture.
Authored by Frank Martínez Rivero, the article depicts Radiocuba as a heroic entity overcoming the "criminal blockade" and fuel shortages to ensure signal coverage across every corner of the nation.
Leonardo Vázquez, the company's general director, stated that service disruptions have been "minimal," claiming that transmissions are quickly restored.
Yet, Cubans responding to the article on Facebook shared overwhelming evidence that directly contradicts these official statements.
Voices from the Ground
One user commented from the city of Pinar del Río, specifically from the Hermanos Cruz neighborhood: "During a blackout, the only station we can hear is Radio Martí, not a single national station. I'm a radio enthusiast; I go to bed with my battery-powered radio every night, and all I get is static, not even Cuban radio on FM."
This is far from an isolated incident. Back in May 2025, only seven out of 28 transmission centers in Pinar del Río had backup power, as acknowledged by the province's head of Radiocuba.
From Holguín, another reader was candid: "When the power goes out, which happens daily for several hours, the transmitter on Loma de la Cruz also shuts down, leaving us without radio or TV. This has become the new normal." A third comment from the same region was even more damning: "In Banes municipality, since the onset of the most severe blackout wave, we've been without TV signal."
By January 2026, power outages were already depriving Holguín and other provinces of radio and television services, a situation that has only worsened over time.
Widespread Communication Breakdown
In Camagüey, a resident described the irony of the situation: "When you call Radiocuba to inquire about the lack of TV signal, they say it's due to energy-saving measures. If there's a blackout, you obviously can't watch TV, but even when there's power, there's no signal."
In Bartolomé Masó, Granma, the scenario is one of total disconnection. "For months, we've been deprived of these informative and recreational media, as both TV and radio signals are nonexistent. We're cut off from what's happening inside and outside our borders, with only three hours of Internet access amidst 20-plus hours of daily blackouts," lamented another user.
In Segundo Frente, Santiago de Cuba, the issue has persisted for almost a month without resolution: "We're worried that when the signal returns, the announcer will be speaking in English, Chinese, or Russian," joked a local resident.
Energy Crisis Deepens
The energy crisis under which Cubadebate published this triumphant piece is dire. The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant went offline last Tuesday due to a boiler malfunction, exacerbating blackouts with deficits ranging from 1,415 to 1,731 MW, leaving as much as 46% of the country in darkness during peak hours.
By March, the crisis had already forced Radiocuba to cut TV broadcasts to just eight hours daily due to diesel shortages. Vázquez himself admitted in the Cubadebate article that the generators have "years of service and accumulated wear" and that the broadcasting equipment is "energy inefficient."
In light of these facts, the director's closing remarks about solar panels as an alternative solution inadvertently reveal the gravity of the situation: "Of course, this is merely the first step in a long journey we must undertake."
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Radio and TV Services
What are the current challenges facing Cuba's radio and TV services?
Cuba's radio and TV services are plagued by poor signal quality and frequent outages, exacerbated by the ongoing energy crisis and inadequate infrastructure.
How have Cubans responded to the government's claims about media services?
Many Cubans have expressed frustration and disbelief, sharing personal experiences that contradict the government's narrative of minimal service disruptions.
What impact do power outages have on media access in Cuba?
Power outages severely limit access to radio and TV services, often leaving entire regions without any signal for extended periods.
Are there any solutions being implemented to address these issues?
Efforts to address the issues include the installation of solar panels, but these are only initial steps in what is expected to be a long and challenging process.