René González Dussac, a celebrated Cuban radio host who was honored with the National Radio Award in 2020, passed away this Saturday in Havana. His career spanned over five decades in Cuban radio, as reported by the Cuban Institute of Information and Social Communication (ICS).
The ICS praised Dussac for his dedication and daily commitment, always prioritizing his listeners. In line with his family's wishes, his remains were cremated on Saturday morning.
A Legacy Rooted in Cuban Radio
Dussac's journey in radio began in 1968 at a station called "Local Amplification," located in the Los Reinaldos sugar mill in the municipality of Songo-la Maya, Santiago de Cuba.
Throughout his illustrious career, he became closely associated with Radio Cadena Habana, where he worked for more than four decades, becoming a cornerstone of Cuban broadcasting history.
An International Presence
As an internationalist, González Dussac contributed to a Spanish-language program on Radio Nacional de Angola, collaborating with Cuban directors, hosts, and journalists under an agreement between Angola's Popular Movement for the Liberation and the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba during the Angolan civil war.
His international reach also extended to the Soviet Union, where he participated in teaching broadcasting at the Latin American editorial office of Radio Moscow International, a role he assumed in 1991.
Honors and Recognition
Over his career, González Dussac received numerous accolades: the title of Artist of Merit of Cuban Radio and Television, the Internationalist Worker Medal, the Merit Diploma of Radio Nacional de Angola, the Cuban Radio Microphone, commemorative seals for the 80th and 85th anniversaries of Cuban Radio, the Distinction for Cuban Culture, and the Félix Elmuza Award from the Cuban Journalists Union.
Additional honors included the Raúl Gómez García Medal, the title of Master of Radio Broadcasters, the Gitana Tropical Award, and the "Voz y Sueño" award, created specifically to honor broadcasters with 50 or more years of professional radio experience in Cuba.
The ICS remembered him as "versatile and joyful," often seen spreading smiles and affection throughout the radio stations.
A Time of Mourning
His passing comes during a period of significant losses for Cuban radio. Since January 2025, other notable figures such as Radio Reloj journalist Lázaro Chiang Macate, announcers René Parapal Reinoso, Lilia Rosa López, Noel Pérez Batista, and Alberto Pardo Companioni have also departed.
The National Radio Award is the highest honor given by the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television (ICRT) to professionals for their lifelong contributions, a recognition Dussac received in 2020 alongside other distinguished figures, as confirmed by the ICRT's Board of Directors.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Key Insights on René González Dussac's Impact
What was René González Dussac's most notable achievement?
René González Dussac was most notably recognized for receiving the National Radio Award in 2020, highlighting his exceptional contributions to Cuban radio over more than fifty years.
How did Dussac contribute to international broadcasting?
Dussac played a significant role in international broadcasting through his work at Radio Nacional de Angola during the Angolan civil war and his educational contributions at Radio Moscow International in the Soviet Union.
In which Cuban radio station did Dussac have a long-term association?
René González Dussac was closely associated with Radio Cadena Habana, where he worked for over four decades, becoming a key figure in the station's history.