CubaPLUS Magazine

Every March 14th, Cuba celebrates Press Day, in commemoration of the founding of the newspaper Patria by National Hero José Martí in 1892. Today, more than ever, the role played by the media is fundamental and extremely important in reporting the reality of the country and the entire world, in the face of falsehoods that may circulate.

The history of the press dates back to Before Our Era. According to documents, it was Julius Caesar—a prominent Roman politician and military officer—who, in 59 BC, recognized the value of public opinion. He therefore compiled daily news of the most important events, thus giving rise to the Roman Diary (Diurna urbis acta).

The invention of the printing press itself is attributed to Johannes Gutenberg in 1440 in Germany, which enabled the widespread distribution of the Bible, considered the first book printed with movable type, and other books. Since then, the way newspapers and magazines are printed has evolved significantly.

Today, several techniques are used, which has facilitated the printers' work and ensured that the news reaches the public quickly and efficiently.

But let's talk about the work of the journalist, which is what concerns us today. In my case, having been "behind the news" for 48 years, I consider it an extremely selfless and, why not, sacrificed profession. Keep in mind that news has no time in itself, and when it happens, the important thing is to make it known quickly so that it reaches everyone.

Whether it's a holiday, a day off, nighttime, or early morning, news has no timetable, and when it happens, it must be made known. From every point of view, the importance of a journalist's work is to provide accurate information so that people know about any event as it happened, without distortion, as is often the case today, given the widespread dissemination afforded by social media.

Finally, I must confess that I joined the press at a very young age and almost by chance. However, I consider it the best thing that has ever happened to me because, like all the journalists I know and with whom I have had the opportunity to work for decades, I fervently love my profession, to which I have dedicated my life, sparing no time, and all that remains for me to say is that "I will die a journalist."

Happy Cuban Press Day