The decline of Cuban television was starkly evident this Monday when, during an interview with singer Annie Garcés, part of the studio lights suddenly went out, leaving both guests and the host in a state of bewilderment. "Are we still on?" Garcés managed to ask, standing in the dim light, unsure whether to continue speaking. The incident occurred during the show En Tiempo Real.
In the background, a voice, presumably from the coordinator, was heard saying, "Everyone here," indicating that the live broadcast was still ongoing. The host attempted to navigate this "glitch" by prompting the pro-regime singer to keep talking.
At the time of the blackout, Garcés, who had previously been nominated as a deputy following her controversial song "Patria o Muerte por la Vida," was discussing a musical piece she had composed and dedicated to Casa Editora Abril, which celebrated its 45th anniversary that Monday. The other guest, Aracelis Bedevia, director of Revista Pionero, was also taken aback when the lights went out.
Previous Technical Glitches on Cuban TV
In May, a live broadcast from the Canal Caribe studios, where the morning news show Buenos Días is filmed, was disrupted by a leaked audio comment. The news anchor introduced a live report with journalist Bernardo Espinosa at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, amidst the country's severe energy crisis. As Espinosa greeted viewers, a whispering voice was heard saying, "Don't give me that s***y bread anymore." Despite this, the broadcast continued without further issues.
Months earlier, in February, a cockroach casually roamed the set during a live broadcast of the primetime Noticiero de la Televisión Cubana. The insect appeared precisely as Argelio Fernández, director of Hydrology at the Instituto Nacional de Recursos Hidráulicos, was providing an update on the country's hydrometeorological situation.
Cuban Television's Technical Difficulties
To give readers a better understanding of the recurring issues on Cuban television, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
What happened during Annie Garcés' interview on En Tiempo Real?
During Annie Garcés' interview on En Tiempo Real, part of the studio lights went out, leaving the guests and host in a state of confusion. Despite this, the live broadcast continued.
Have there been other technical issues on Cuban TV?
Yes, there have been several technical issues on Cuban TV, including leaked audio comments during a live broadcast in May and a cockroach appearing on set during a live news broadcast in February.
Who was the other guest during the blackout on En Tiempo Real?
The other guest during the blackout was Aracelis Bedevia, director of Revista Pionero.