State media journalist Abdiel Bermúdez openly acknowledged that Cuban government outlets fail to accurately portray the everyday life of the Cuban people.
"It's important to understand that awards should not inflate egos. Journalism owes a significant debt to the history of our country—especially the daily stories we urgently need to tell, regardless of any accolades," Bermúdez stated on Wednesday, following the National Journalism Contest July 26 awards ceremony.
He continued, "The greatest prize will be when people on the street see themselves reflected in newspapers, hear themselves in radio broadcasts, or feel they're part of the narrative on television and digital platforms. We still owe them that recognition."
The event was held at the national headquarters of the Union of Cuban Journalists (UPEC) in Havana. Bermúdez was among the most awarded journalists in this edition, securing honors in the categories of Reportage, Commentary, and Chronicle for the Cuban News Channel.
Notable Self-Criticism
This self-reflection is striking, coming from a journalist typically seen as a government spokesperson, frequently appearing on the National Television News and decorated in April 2021 with the "Labor Prowess" distinction alongside officialist communicators like Humberto López and Lázaro Manuel Alonso.
Bermúdez has ventured into self-criticism publicly before. In March 2025, he confirmed on television that Cuban families resorted to using doors and windows as firewood due to charcoal shortages. In January 2026, he defended colleague Arleen Rodríguez Derivet after her controversial comment linking José Martí to the power outages.
His recent remarks are part of a broader pattern of admissions from within the state media apparatus. In August 2025, presenter Michel Torres Corona conceded that state media lacks resources to cover corruption cases, and in December 2024, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz admitted that official outlets struggle to connect with the public and inspire trust.
Winners and Judging Concerns
The contest saw Sancti Spíritus province and Ideas Multimedios emerge as major winners, each earning nine recognitions. Ideas Multimedios additionally garnered eight mentions in categories such as print, audiovisual, hypermedia, and photography. The jury reviewed around 800 entries but lamented the limited participation from numerous media outlets and journalists across the nation.
"We reviewed nearly 800 submissions and wished there were more, as many outlets did not participate," remarked Bárbara Betancourt, jury president.
The contest also awarded the branch competition's Ricardo Sainz prizes and a Special Prize for the Centenary of Fidel Castro, awarded to Aroldo García Fombellida for the series "Fidel Passed Through Here" from Radio Rebelde Holguín.
Randy Alonso Falcón, director of Ideas Multimedios, received the Special Award for "Media War Against Cuba."
Bermúdez's remarks, directed at the upper echelons of Cuba's journalism community, highlight the profound credibility crisis facing state media in Cuba. None of these self-critiques, however, challenge the Communist Party's grip on what gets published or suppressed in the nation's media.
Understanding Cuba's Media Landscape
What did Abdiel Bermúdez criticize about Cuban state media?
Abdiel Bermúdez criticized Cuban state media for failing to reflect the daily realities and struggles of the Cuban people in their coverage.
Who is Abdiel Bermúdez?
Abdiel Bermúdez is a journalist working for Cuban state media, known for being a frequent presence on the National Television News and a recipient of the "Proeza Laboral" distinction.
What did the National Journalism Contest July 26 highlight?
The contest highlighted the achievements of journalists in various categories, with Sancti Spíritus province and Ideas Multimedios being the top winners.