The Cuban radio community is in mourning after the passing of the esteemed broadcaster Kenia María González Caballero on Monday morning. She was a revered figure at Estéreo Instrumental Radio Siboney CMDV in Santiago de Cuba.
Santiago de Cuba's own radio personality, José Yaser Centray Soler, shared the sad news on Facebook, highlighting González's impactful legacy and her significant contributions to the broadcast industry. "May her voice, which defines CMDV in various sound designs and promotions, continue to shine," he wrote, paying homage to the distinctive mark González left on Cuban radio.
Kenia María González is fondly remembered for her unique style and her exceptional work in cultural and educational programs such as "Iluminados para la Sabiduría," the cultural magazine "Música y Algo Más," and the science and technology segment "En Todos los Sentidos." Centray added, "Those of us who knew her witnessed her unwavering dedication to the craft of broadcasting," emphasizing the profound impact she had on her peers and the broadcasting community.
A Legacy That Inspires Future Broadcasters
The news has deeply saddened radio professionals in Santiago de Cuba, who see González not only as a remarkable professional but also as an inspiration for future generations of communicators. Miguel Noa Menéndez, another voice of Santiago's radio scene, also expressed his sorrow on Facebook over the loss of this distinguished broadcaster. "This morning, the voice that defines CMDV Radio Siboney, Kenia María González Caballero, passed away," Noa stated.
Other Losses in Cuban Media
On the same Monday, Havana mourned the death of Héctor Eduardo Pérez Mata, one of the two remaining active founders of the weekly publication Opciones, associated with Editora Juventud Rebelde. His health had deteriorated due to liver failure. Pérez began his journey at Juventud Rebelde in the 1980s, dedicating over thirty years to commercial activities, representing the weekly Opciones at numerous international business fairs.
Last November, Pedro Martínez Pírez, one of the most prominent journalists within the official media system of the Cuban regime, passed away at the age of 86. Honored with awards such as the José Martí National Journalism Prize and the National Radio Award, Martínez Pírez devoted his professional life to advocating for and promoting the regime's narrative, initially through diplomacy and later via state-controlled media channels.
The same month also saw the radio system in Villa Clara and its audience mourn the loss of Hanny Gómez Méndez, one of the most cherished and respected voices in the province's official radio. The broadcaster, who dedicated her life to communication, died after a battle with illness, as noted by her colleague Jorge Nilo Coello Machado.
Impact of Kenia María González Caballero on Cuban Radio
What programs was Kenia María González Caballero known for?
Kenia María González Caballero was known for her work on programs such as "Iluminados para la Sabiduría," "Música y Algo Más," and "En Todos los Sentidos."
What was Kenia María González Caballero's contribution to Radio Siboney?
Her voice became a defining element of CMDV Radio Siboney, contributing significantly to its sound designs and promotional content.
How did Kenia María González Caballero inspire future broadcasters?
She inspired future generations of communicators with her dedication to broadcasting and her exemplary work in cultural and educational programming.