Cuban independent media say no thanks to Trump free press initiative

[Judi Lynn]

FEBRUARY 6, 2018 / 6:28 PM / UPDATED 2 HOURS AGO
Cuban independent media say no thanks to Trump free press initiative
Sarah Marsh

HAVANA (Reuters) - Leading Cuban independent media said they want nothing to do with a Trump administration initiative to foster more such outlets on the communist-run isle, contending it interferes in Cuba’s politics and creates the impression they are U.S. mouthpieces.

The U.S. State Department last month announced the creation of a Cuba Internet Task Force to look at “opportunities for expanding internet access and independent media” in the Caribbean country. It convenes for the first time on Wednesday.

The initiative has come under fire in Cuba both from the government, which has branded it subversive, as well as from the very organizations it is supposed to help.

“We are not just talking about something that heightens tension in the country’s political situation but a move that could also damage the credibility of the independent media,” said Elaine Díaz, 32, who in 2015 founded Periodismo de Barrio which focuses on the environment.

More:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cuba-usa-media/cuban-independent-media-say-no-thanks-to-trump-free-press-initiative-idUSKBN1FR01Q

LBN:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10141981597

[EX500rider]

1. Assuming they had a independent media..which they don't

The Cuban media are tightly controlled by the Cuban government led by the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC).
The PCC strictly censors news, information and commentary, and restricts dissemination of foreign publications to tourist hotels. Journalists must operate within the confines of laws against anti-government propaganda and the insulting of officials, which carry penalties of up to three years in prison. Private ownership of broadcast media is prohibited, and the government owns all mainstream media outlets. Cubans cannot read books, magazines or newspapers unless they have been approved/published by the government. Cubans can not receive publications from abroad or from visitors.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_of_Cuba