May 20 marks the 30th year Radio Martí has been broadcasting uncensored news and
information to the island nation.
The Office of Cuba Broadcasting oversees
both Radio and TV Martí.OCB is under the Broadcasting Board of Governors, which
oversees U.S. government-supported civilian overseas broadcasting.
Radio
Martí went on the air in 1985, and its TV counterpart began broadcasting in
1990.
Director of the Office of Cuba Broadcasting Carlos García-Pérez
oversees Radio and TV Martí. He calls the length of time that Radio Martí has
been broadcasting “a testament to the importance of a free flow of
information.”
The Cuban government continuously tries to jam Martí
broadcasts, however Radio Martí says it uses a combination of high- and low-tech
approaches to reach Cuban citizens, including satellite, shortwave and AM radio,
online, flash drives, DVDs and mobile apps. The OCB cites a March survey that
found 20% of Cubans tune into Radio Martí, we’ve reported.
The investigative
unit of Radio Martí has over the years sought to corroborate news leads coming
from the island. Martí has also provided public health information to Cuban
residents.
Radio and TV Martí will share a historic timeline, photos and
articles online and provide special programming, remember key moments from its
history and air interviews with Cubans on the impact of Radio Martí.
