Camagüey TV has its immediate antecedent in Channel 11. This was legally constituted on June 18th, 1958 with the name Camagüey TV Sociedad Anónima (TVC. SA., by its acronym in Spanish ) And its headquarters were located on the old Estrada Palma Street (current Ignacio Agramonte no. 503) in the building that today is occupied by the Provincial Radio Cadena Agramonte Station.
Its objective was to exploit the commercial interest of the main products of the region; also scientific dissemination, political, sports and religious commentaries, the presentation of artistic shows and movie streaming.
The Channel began its broadcasts on Saturday, March 7th, 1959. Some of the programs were: Romantic Date, hosted by Servando Vázquez; Children’s Club, a varied space dedicated to children, which sometimes had the participation of the then child Adalberto Álvarez.
Also Rise to Fame, a participation program featuring musicians and movie stars, whose main objective was the search for new talents; among others. Almost all the programs were broadcast live and improvisation was often difficult due to the novelty of the experience.
Among the initiators of this means in Camagüey were names such as Grover Mármol, Michel Wilcow, José Luis Cadenas and Francisco Rivero, well-known teachers to this day. TVC. SA. ceased broadcasting on June 15th, 1961 when it was nationalized.
It is valid to highlight that Channel 11 was the first to operate outside the capital of the country and therefore a pioneer of television in Cuba.
Its creation added to our collection new cultural, informative and educational possibilities. It also meant that the city had television even before some Latin American countries like Bolivia and Paraguay.
It not only witnessed the last image of Camilo Cienfuegos, Commander of the Nation, but also the signing of the Agrarian Reform Law in La Plata command headquarters; in addition, a window for cultural development was established in our capital by presenting city-dwelling artists of the stature of Rosa Fornés and Luis Carbonell; in addition to establishing representatives of the courtyard such as the late narrator Manolo Martínez.
It strengthened the feeling of identity so characteristic of the people of Camagüey, being a reflection of important events and the daily life of their inhabitants.
Camagüey TV, a new address
On June 24th, 1985, Camagüey TV was created on Goyo Benítez Street, now Príncipe. It was a decisive step because, although there was a long journey, its foundation responded to a reorientation of the country’s programming, focused on the need for the expansion of local television where indigenous elements were reflected.
This is how from the beginning it had a community orientation of a public nature.
The approach to the community set the objective in question: to do a job based on the interests of the inhabitants and in this way give voice to the local, the regional, through participatory spaces that would allow interaction with the different audiences.
An important moment would be the launch of its website, on March 14th, 2004, which, together with its presence on social networks on the Internet, especially on YouTube, Facebook, would allow a greater reach, thus broadening the horizon.
A dream fulfilled would be its establishment in a new headquarters, which would have the necessary conditions according to the demands of the digitalization era. It was inaugurated on March 13th, 2016. The building is located on Javier De La Vega Avenue between Cornelio Porro and Gonzalo Moreno Street, near the Major General Ignacio Agramonte Loynaz Revolution Square.
The Cuban state invested 7,800,000 pesos in the construction of this elegant building. Since its creation, it has distinguished itself for having a varied and successful list of programs that responds to the characteristics, essences and expectations of the people of Camagüey; as well as by a group made up of hosts, journalists, directors, scriptwriters, consultants, producers, editors, technicians, etc., which over time has changed but has maintained its spirit, self-sacrifice and professionalism.
Currently, programs such as: First-hand, it deals with health-related issues; Clarion Call, a television and radio space for citizen participation; Lives, a program that has penetrated the depths of Camagüey.
Without a doubt, Camagüey TV, always making a difference, has defended the authenticity of our city very well, receiving important provincial and national awards.
Bibliography
Information provided by Eduardo Rosa Agramonte, Head of Camagüey Television Programming.
Atiénzar, Enrique. El Canal 11 de televisión revolucionó a Camagüey. Periódico Adelante del día 7 de marzo del 2019.
Labrada, Eduardo. La Televisión Camagüey en el recuentro de 30 años. Periódico Adelante del día 18 de junio del 2015.
Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García
