Esteemed Cuban broadcaster Guillermo Rivero de La Rosa, who carved out a career spanning over three decades in both national radio and television, has sadly passed away this Monday due to a heart attack. The news was shared by his colleague Alberto Cordoví Benítez on Facebook.
Alberto Cordoví Benítez, a seasoned radio program director with a long-standing history at the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television (ICRT), was among the first to break the news, expressing his grief: "Once again, I wake up to bad and sad news. My friend, brother, and work colleague Guillermo Rivero de La Rosa has died of a heart attack."
Affectionately known as "Guille," Rivero de La Rosa was the familiar voice behind the popular late-night show "Cuba Tonight" on Radio Taíno. This program, airing from 11:00 pm to 12:57 am, was a staple for many Cuban listeners, featuring a mix of musical and cultural content.
In addition to his role at Radio Taíno, he was also associated with Havana's Radio Metropolitana, broadcasting on FM 98.3 and AM 910, as well as the iconic continuous news station, Radio Reloj.
A Legacy of Dedication and Support
"Guille was an artist in every sense of the word, a man who loved radio. Those who knew him recognized his solidarity, always ready to help anyone who approached him, and above all, he was a devoted son," Cordoví Benítez remarked, highlighting the late broadcaster's human touch.
In 2022, Rivero de La Rosa expanded his talents to television by joining the show "Piso 6," where he hosted a segment dedicated to the most popular music on the airwaves.
Journalist Ana Teresa Badia also shared her sorrow on Facebook, saying, "My friend Guillermo Rivero de La Rosa died of a heart attack, and it hurts. I always told him how grateful I was for his affection and support."
The wake for Rivero de La Rosa will be held at the funeral home on Calzada and K in El Vedado, Havana, with the burial scheduled for 3:00 pm.
His passing adds to a grim series of losses within the Cuban radio community. In recent months, other notable figures such as René González Dussac from Radio Cadena Habana, Lázaro Chiang Macate, a journalist at Radio Reloj, Santiago Ramírez Frías from Radio Ciudad Bandera, and Jorge Luis Michelena, a colleague of Rivero de La Rosa at Radio Metropolitana who passed in February 2025, have also died.
Remembering Guillermo Rivero de La Rosa
Who was Guillermo Rivero de La Rosa?
Guillermo Rivero de La Rosa was a renowned Cuban broadcaster with over 30 years of experience in radio and television, known for his work on Radio Taíno's "Cuba Tonight" and other stations.
What was Guillermo Rivero de La Rosa's contribution to Cuban media?
He was celebrated for his engaging presence on radio and later on television, contributing significantly to Cuban cultural and musical programming.
How did his colleagues react to his passing?
Colleagues like Alberto Cordoví Benítez and Ana Teresa Badia expressed deep sorrow and gratitude for his friendship and support, highlighting his generosity and dedication.