The arrival of television in the life of the people of Camagüey meant a milestone of modernity compared to the advances in telephony, radio, cinema and other communication devices that preceded their arrival in Cuba -third in America to receive the television signal on October 24th, 1950.
How did the old TV channel 11 work?
The answer is provided by many locals who still remember it, despite the fact that few television sets existed in the city. It was the first to broadcast beyond the Cuban capital. It dates back to its beginnings in March 1959 until June-November 1961. Research carried out on its work indicates that its signal reached some Latin American countries.
The transmission was carried out with a duration of more than 8 hours, which favored an extensive programming with sections dedicated to the newscast, live programs with various themes, film materials, and presentations by professional and amateur artists that were widely accepted by the television audience.
Some personalities such as Fidel Castro, Camilo Cienfuegos and other revolutionary leaders also appeared in the studio. Acts of great connotation in the city were televised by the channel that had advanced technological equipment -according to José Luis Cadena, announcer of the entity located at that time at the headquarters of the Radio Cadena Agramonte station.
A new stage
A new stage marked the paths of television from Camagüey when on June 24th, 1984 the channel TV Camagüey was born, in the building No. 19 and 23 of Goyo Benítez Street. The new space for local television had some of the workers of channel 11 who contributed their experiences in this process.
The initial broadcast duration was one hour, the time available to the local channels within the national programming. A varied magazine and the newscast were its fundamental spaces.
Years later, the availability of modern equipment, specialized personnel and longer broadcast time allowed for an increase in the proposals within the television schedule: musical, historical programs dedicated to children and youth audiences, as well as talk shows, create new options for the viewers.
But, if you attend the Camagüey television set, don’t be afraid to be overwhelmed in front of the cameras. Anonymous faces that work magic will give you back the confidence to share with a public that is waiting for the television signal with proposals for entertainment and opinions.
Today the Camagüey telecentre, with its slogan “Just the way we are”, is a community signal with a diverse program developed in the facilities adjacent to the Revolution Square; with structural and technical conditions superior to the old headquarters that extends its work on digital sites and social networks in tune with current demands.
