Broadcasting Board of Governors Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Request

Expand audience reach in strategic locations of Latin America. Program Accomplishments? VOA Spanish broadcasts in radio and television to Latin America with particular focus on audiences in Venezuela. Radio and TV Martí broadcast 24 hours daily to Cuba. Program Changes? The BBG proposes to change the news format for TV Martí by replacing the two evening news programs with news updates on the half hour and to convert Radio Martí to an all news format. The Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB) provides coordinated management of the Radio Martí and Television Martí programs from its headquarters in Miami, Florida. Radio Martí broadcasts news and a variety of features and news analysis programs seven days a week, 24 hours a day. TV Martí broadcasts 24 hours per day, seven days a week on Hispasat; four and a half hours per day, six days a week on AeroMartí, including two 30-minute live newscasts each day, and three and a half hours per day, five days a week (two hours per day on weekends) on DirecTV satellite. TV Martí also broadcasts on a large number of cable stations throughout Latin America, and is available on the Internet. Cuban citizens anywhere in the world with access to the Internet can visit the site 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The objectives of the Radio Martí and Television Martí Programs are:? To support the right of the people of Cuba to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media, regardless of frontiers; To be effective in furthering the open communication of information and ideas through the use of radio and television broadcasting to Cuba; To serve as a consistently reliable and authoritative source of accurate, objective, and comprehensive news, and; To provide news, commentary, and other information about events in Cuba and elsewhere to promote the cause of freedom in Cuba. Radio and TV Martí are dedicated to providing a reliable source of news and information that is accurate, objective, and credible. They promote freedom and democracy in Cuba, through their programmatic strategy of promoting human rights. Primary areas of coverage include the Cuban economy, news relating to the independent human rights and dissident movements, U.S.-Cuban relations, and international stories, such as elections. Programming also includes promotion of civil society, democratic institutions in Cuba, and freedom of the press. U.S. Election Coverage Radio and TV Martí provided extensive coverage of the electoral process in the U.S., culminating with election night coverage and post-election night reactions with the participation of experts, academics, Democratic and Republican party activists, independent journalists, Cuban-American members of Congress, and dissidents from Cuba. Speeches by Republican candidate John McCain and President-elect Barack Obama were carried live. TV Martí produced a post-election special to summarize the historic election. Radio Martí’s post-election coverage included statements from leading dissidents on the island regarding relations between the U. S. and Cuba after Barack Obama takes office. Radio and TV Martí Coverage of Fidel Castro’s Resignation In February 2008, Radio and TV Martí provided comprehensive coverage of Fidel Castro’s announcement that, after 49 years in power, he would not seek or serve another term as President of the State Council and Commander in Chief, or as a member of the Cuban National Assembly. He officially designated 76 year old Raul Castro as his successor. In December 2008, Radio Martí News broadcast a number of reports on a variety of topics regarding the 50th anniversary of the Castro brothers in power. Radio and TV Martí Hurricane Coverage The news coverage during September and October 2008 were dominated by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike across Cuba. Radio Martí News implemented its emergency coverage to respond to the news events, and became the leading source of news for Cubans on the hurricanes. During the first day after Hurricane Gustav left the Isle of Youth and parts of the province of Pinar del Rio without communications, Radio Martí was the first media to have extensive reports on the damage in the region. Cubans from all over the island have stated that Radio Martí has dominated the news cycle, and is becoming a ?local news station? by telling its audience what is happening in other parts of the country. Given Radio Martí News’ extensive network throughout the island, it has surpassed the government media in coverage. TV Martí also developed a special series dedicated to the aftermath of Hurricane Ike in Cuba. For three weeks TV Martí produced a daily one-hour special program that covered issues related to the hurricane including the humanitarian relief available from Miami. ?Ladies in White? Participate in Live Radio Martí Newscast via Cell Phone On April 21, 2008, Radio Martí News broke the story of a peaceful protest in Havana by the group Damas de Blanco (Ladies in White). The demonstration took place in Revolutionary Square. Via cell phone, live from Havana, Laura Pollan and Alejandrina Diaz de la Riva participated in the early morning newscast and told Radio Martí that the protest was organized to call on the government to release political prisoners and to deliver a letter to head of state Raul Castro calling for respect for human rights. Launch of OCB’s Newly Redesigned Website In December 2008, OCB launched its newly redesigned website with live streaming of radio and television programming. TV Martí Now Broadcast on VHF OCB began broadcasting TV Martí on VHF (Channel 13) on one of the two AeroMartí aircraft in mid-December 2008. After additional work, the aircraft is now capable of simulcasting on UHF and VHF. The first successful simulcast broadcast was the inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 20, 2009, where TV coverage was provided to Cuba on VHF Channel 13 and UHF Channel 20 during the entire five-hour special mission. Radio Martí Interviews Yoani Sanchez On April 4, 2008 Havana blogger Yoani Sanchez won the prestigious Jose Ortega y Gasset Award, given each year by the Spanish newspaper El Pais and considered to be the foremost Spanish language journalism prize. Radio Martí broke the story and interviewed Yoani Sanchez, who has the best known blog from Cuba (which the Cuban government has attempted to block). Stories about Yoani Sanchez have been featured in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. New OCB Transmitter During the last week of February 2009, a new 100kW medium wave transmitter was successfully installed at the Marathon Transmitting Station, replacing two older transmitters that had been in use since 1985. Broadcast Operations News Division Radio Martí News Radio Martí broadcasts news and information programming specifically tailored for the Cuban audience six days per week for 24 hours, and one day per week for 18 hours. Newscasts, as well as news features and updates, figure prominently in the daily schedule. In addition, a wide variety of programs address public affairs, political and economic issues, and other topics. Radio Martí provides an uncensored, comprehensive, and balanced perspective of current events through its news programming and information programs, including roundtable discussions, expert analysis on political, economic, social, and religious issues with an emphasis on human rights, and an in-depth focus on the Cuban opposition and political prisoners. Radio Martí also covers the social and economic issues faced daily by Cubans, including alcohol and drug abuse, and domestic violence. Radio Martí aims to provide information to the Cuban audience that is denied by the government. Radio Martí broadcasts five major newscasts Monday-Friday, from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and the summary from 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. On weekends, the station broadcasts short news briefs at the top and bottom of the hour and three half-hour newscasts on Saturday and Sunday. Radio Martí News extensively covers U.S. policy towards Cuba and the work of Cuban dissidents. The station maintains contact with a network of independent journalists that work from every province in Cuba providing accounts of relevant issues, ranging from human rights to health care. Major presidential speeches, pronouncements by other U.S. government officials such as the Secretary of State, and congressional discussions and votes, have been covered live. The station also features Cuba-related issues and proposals from the U.S. Congress. News coverage is also enhanced by the network of stringers in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America. With the addition of several correspondents, Radio Martí News has expanded coverage of Latin-American affairs, specifically news from Venezuela. Radio Martí News provided live coverage of student protests and the government closing of a Caracas television station. Contacts with experts, journalists, and government officials throughout Latin America have also increased. Radio Martí News has increased its live coverage of events in Cuba and elsewhere. This year, the station has broadcast live dissident protests throughout the island. One recent example was the April 2008 protest of the group ?Ladies in White? from Revolutionary Square in Havana. The station broke the story and via cell phone contact with Cuba was able to interview the participants. Radio News has also increased the number of its exclusive interviews. This year and next year plans are to increase contacts with Cubans on the island, not only with dissidents and independent journalists, but also with the new blogging community in Cuba as well as independent musicians and artists. Radio Martí News offered the first comprehensive, exclusive interview with Cuban blogger, Yoani Sanchez, named one of Time Magazine’s most influential people. News programming has dedicated a weekly segment to bloggers in Cuba to share articles written by the blogging community. The presidential election in the United States was a major topic of coverage. Radio Martí devoted a daily newscast segment to explain the electoral process to the Cuban people. News programming also increased coverage of the elections with analysis and participation from Republicans and Democrats. The OCB web page, now part of the Radio Martí News operations, was redesigned. OCB organized a course on digital journalism to train staff on maintaining a web page. The new page has a multi-media orientation with a broader outlook for text, sound and video. We also plan to include pictures directly from the island as more contact with Cuba is expected. Up-to–the-minute information and breaking news are part of the web page. TV Martí News TV Martí continues to provide daily newscasts including special segments on sports, entertainment, science and technology, and economic issues. TV Martí also broadcasts news bulletins at the top of prime-time hours. Since February 2006, the TV Martí newscasts have used a two-anchor format, utilizing modern technology and editing equipment, as well as virtual sets. These changes have greatly enhanced TV Martí’s news programming. Currently, TV Martí News produces two live daily newscasts – at 6:00 p.m. and at 10:00 p.m. Beginning in FY 2010, TV Martí will broadcast five minute news updates every half hour between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. in place of the two half hour evening newscasts. This change should enable TV Martí newscasts to reach a wider audience throughout the evening and increase operational efficiency. Programs Division Radio Martí Programs The program schedule includes daily discussion programs that fulfill the need for the people of Cuba for free and unfettered discussion, incorporating a wide range of opinions on issues. Key programs in the current schedule include: Periodismo.Com (journalism.com) A daily program aimed at the new generation of bloggers that is gaining strength in Cuba. The program serves as a platform for discussion and training in the art of blogging, uploading video and audio to YouTube, Twitter, Face Book and other tools of the Internet. The program encourages participation from the Cuban audience and invites experts in the areas mentioned. Lectura Sin Censura: (Reading Without Censorship) This program is coordinated with Independent Libraries in Cuba, and the MCID and Jackson State University program that supports the Independent Library Movement in the Island. This bi-weekly program allows Cuban writers to submit their work to the MCID and Jackson State. The submissions are read by the author or the program’s anchors and discussed on air. The program also allows the free discussion of other literary work that is banned by the Cuban Regime. The group at Jackson State makes this work available to the Independent Librarians in Cuba. This program targets Cubans of all ages who can submit their requests and their writings. Opiniones: (Opinions) This daily program features qualified experts drawn from notable professionals representing a broad spectrum of viewpoints engaging in an in-depth discussion of a contemporary and relevant issue impacting Cuba. Derechos Humanos: (Human Rights) This daily program explores the dissident movement and the Castro regime’s violations of basic human rights. Various qualified experts and prominent dissidents in Cuba are featured. TV Martí Programs TV Martí has added live, on-location special programming to its 17 hours of weekly in-house programs. The weekly programs include: News and Information Programs: Nuestra America? (Our America) is a program that deals with Latin American issues with emphasis on Venezuela, Bolivia, and other Hispanic countries where democracy has been tested. Puntos de Vista? (Points of View) is a program that uses a panel of three newscasters to discuss the most relevant news stories of the week. Panorama?: All Cuban and international economic issues that relate to Cuba are discussed in this show. Washington Al Dia? A daily news brief that covers policy and political developments in Washington, D.C. Special Programs: A variety of special programs, series, and documentaries that take an in-depth look at history, politics, economics and day to day life are produced. Sports and Entertainment Programs: Major League Baseball: A live broadcast, twice a week, of Major League Baseball games, with commentary from former Major League players. Resumen Deportivo? (Sports Summary), a 30-minute program that showcases a weekly summary of sports highlights from baseball to soccer, boxing to NASCAR, including interviews with Latin sports personalities with exciting video footage. Hollywood en 30 Minutos? (Hollywood in 30 Minutes), a weekly review of the most recent movie releases with interviews and clips. La Pantalla de Azogue? (The Silver Screen), a half-hour cultural program that introduces the Cuban audience to films and documentaries produced in Cuba but censored by the regime. Alto Voltaje? (High Voltage), a program that presents the latest in music videos from various locations, appealing to a young audience in Cuba and Latin America. Other Programs: In conjunction with the MCID and CUCAD, TV Martí has increased the production of projects on human and civil rights issues, including: Teleconferences: In 2007 and 2008, with the help of the U.S. Interests Section in Havana (USIS), OCB hosted a series of teleconferences with members of various Cuban dissident organizations. The series opened with a visit to OCB by James Meredith, who spoke of his experience as a civil rights leader to the dissidents who had gathered at the USIS in Havana. Subsequent teleconferences included members of the independent libraries in Cuba, and the ?Ladies in White.? A series of programs are being produced to educate all Cubans including: Journalism – educating the Cuban audience to exercise freedom of expression. Human Rights –teaching the Cuban population about human rights issues. Civil Rights – addressing civil rights issues. For 2008, a series of programs by Radio and Television Martí continue to serve as training for the independent journalists in Cuba. The programs include the essential techniques for reporting, writing, and research, as well as the differences between opinion, editorial opinion, and facts. The journalists are given assignments, and the programs are supervised and conducted with members of the National Association of Black Journalists, Jackson State University Journalism Faculty, and MCID. The concept includes interactive classes that are coordinated with the U.S. Interests Section in Havana. Office of Engineering and Technical Services OCB’s Office of Engineering and Technical Services is charged with the primary responsibility for the development, operation, maintenance, and management of technical facilities, staff, and other resources necessary to enhance OCB’s ability to communicate with the people of Cuba by radio and television. Engineering uses current and emerging technologies to create new products and seeks to improve existing products, services, and transmission capabilities for all OCB elements. The office also provides the tools and infrastructure needed to meet automated information needs of the entire OCB organization. Engineering carries out these support responsibilities at the OCB Headquarters in Miami, Florida, and at two transmission locations in the Florida Keys. Continued Operation of Aircraft Dedicated to TV Martí Transmissions OCB is currently broadcasting 4 ½ hours per day, six days per week from the airborne platforms that are based at U.S. Navy flight facilities at Boca Chica Key, Florida. OCB is utilizing contractor-owned-and-operated aircraft rather than government-owned aircraft, because the contractor has the specialized skills and resources necessary to handle aircraft ownership responsibilities, including compliance with all FAA airworthiness directives, maintenance and repair requirements, and liability issues. VHF television transmission capability became operational in FY 2008. FY 2010 Performance Goals The closed nature of Cuban society makes it extraordinarily difficult to conduct the survey research required to make reliable estimates of radio and television audiences. Research is limited to telephone surveys, and respondents fear admitting to listening to or watching international broadcasts. However, surveys in the U.S. of recent arrivals from Cuba have shown significant audience levels for Radio Martí in Cuba and increasing audience levels for TV Martí. Radio and TV Martí have received excellent or good program quality ratings for the last several years and will strive to maintain this rating in 2009. Program Change The BBG proposes to change the news format for TV Martí by replacing the two evening news programs with news updates on the half hour and to convert Radio Martí to an all news format. For FY 2010, we are requesting $32.5 million for Broadcasting to Cuba. Current Situation Office of Cuba Broadcasting: Radio and TV Martí are dedicated to providing a reliable source of news and information that is accurate, objective, and credible and promotes freedom and democracy in Cuba. OCB provides coordinated management of the Radio Martí and Television Martí programs from its headquarters in Miami, Florida. Radio Martí broadcasts to Cuba from its facilities in the Florida Keys and from IBB transmission facilities in Greenville, North Carolina, 24 hours per day, 6 days per week, and one day per week for 18 hours. TV Martí broadcasts from its facilities in Cudjoe Key, Florida, from the Direct TV North America satellite and on Hispasat direct to home satellite service, 24/7. TV Martí is also broadcast on AeroMartí, its aircraft platform, cable stations throughout Latin America, and is available on the Internet. Expand audience reach in strategic locations of Latin America. In June 2008, VOA Spanish launched El Mundo al Dia (The World Today), a 30-minute television program featuring news from the Andean region, the United States, and the world. The new program replaces VOA Noticias, a 22-minute television newscast launched in June 2007. In addition, VOA began a five-minute version of El Mundo al Dia in May 2008. The programs, which air live Monday through Friday, are broadcast via satellite and local Andean terrestrial TV stations. Radio Martí’s all news and information service provides programming specifically tailored for the Cuban audience six days a week, 24 hours per day, and one day per week for 18 hours. Enhanced news coverage continues to feature a network of experts on Cuban and international affairs to address a wide variety of programs, including public affairs, political and economic issues, and other topics. Radio Martí extensively covers U.S. policy towards Cuba and has increased its live coverage of events in Cuba and elsewhere with plans to increase contacts with Cubans on the island through blogs and by featuring bloggers on a weekly news segment. TV Martí continues to provide daily newscasts including special segments on sports, entertainment, science and technology, and economic issues. TV Martí also broadcasts news bulletins at the top of prime-time hours. In April 2008, the 10:00 p.m. newscast was extended to one hour, representing an increase of 33% in TV Martí’s live news broadcasting. From Monday through Friday each week, OCB is broadcasting 4 ½ hours per day, six days per week from the airborne platforms dedicated to TV Martí transmissions. VOA and OCB continue to expand the use of the Internet to make broadcast programming available to the Cuban and Latin American audiences. The OCB web page