ICS manages Televisión Cubana, which comprises nine channels. Additionally, ICS oversees Radio Cubana, a network of approximately 100 stations, six of which have nationwide coverage. One of these stations, Radio Habana Cuba, is specifically intended for international audiences.

Media assets

Television: Televisión Cubana (Cubavisión, Tele Rebelde, Canal Caribe, Canal Habana, Cubavisión Internacional, Canal Clave, Canal Educativo, Canal Educativo 2, Multivisión)

Radio: Radio Cubana (Radio Rebelde, Radio Progreso, Radio Taíno, Radio Reloj, CMBF Radio Musical Nacional, Radio Enciclopedia, Radio Havana Cuba)

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

In August 2021, the Cuban government officially dissolved the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television (ICRT) and established the Institute of Information and Social Communication (ICS) as its successor. This transition was formalized through Decree-Law 41/2021, published in Cuba’s Official Gazette, and was presented as a modernization effort to centralize and strengthen the state’s communication policy.

The ICS was created to oversee and control all aspects of Cuba’s social communication system, including media, organizational, and community communication. Its responsibilities encompass the regulation of media content, management of the country’s brand image, and oversight of advertising and sponsorship in Cuban media.

Some observers and independent media outlets have likened the ICS to a “Ministry of Truth,” drawing parallels to George Orwell’s concept in his novel 1984. This comparison stems from concerns that the ICS’s broad mandate to control and direct communication could lead to increased censorship and suppression of dissenting voices.

ICS is a government-controlled entity under the Administration of the Central State. Its leadership includes Alfonso Noya Martínez, President of ICS, who previously led the ICRT and is a member of the Council of Ministers, Belkys Pérez Cruz, Jorge Legañoa Alonso, and Onelio Castillo Corderí, serving as Vice Presidents.

Source of funding and budget

ICS is entirely funded by the Cuban government through the national budget. Specific budgetary allocations for ICS are not publicly disclosed.

In recent years, Cuba has initiated experiments aimed at improving the financial sustainability of its media outlets. These initiatives encourage media entities to diversify their revenue streams and enhance operational efficiency, potentially reducing reliance on state funding.

Editorial independence

ICS operates under strict state control, with its mission defined as managing, executing, and overseeing the application of state and government communication policies.

Article 55 of the Cuban Constitution designates media as “socialist property of the entire people,” granting the state authority to determine the principles governing media organization and operation.

ICS’s outlets frequently portray dissidents and protesters against the regime as “criminal actors.” For instance, during the 2019 constitutional referendum, Cuban state television aired reports accusing critics of the new constitution of attempting to undermine the socialist system. These broadcasts labeled opposition groups, such as the 27N Collective and the San Isidro Movement, as agents of subversion, suggesting they were influenced by foreign interests.

This pattern of media portrayal continues to be a regular feature of ICS’s content. State media frequently disseminates reports that discredit government critics, framing their actions as criminal or traitorous. Such coverage serves to delegitimize dissent and reinforce the government’s narrative.

There is no independent oversight mechanism or legal statute in place to guarantee the editorial independence of ICS-managed media outlets. Content produced by these outlets often aligns closely with government narratives, and dissenting views are typically absent from mainstream media coverage.

June 2025

Media assets

Television: PBCJ

State Media Matrix Typology

Independent State-Funded (ISF)

Ownership and governance

PBCJ operates as a public service corporation under the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica Act of 1997. It is overseen by a 19-member Board of Directors appointed by the Governor-General. The board’s composition ensures representation from various sectors, including law, media, education, religion, and civil society, promoting operational independence from direct government control. That ensures the broadcaster’s operational independence from the government.

PBCJ functions under the aegis of the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), a semi-autonomous government agency responsible for disseminating information on government policies and programs. The Jamaica Information Service was established in 1956 as the Government Public Relations Office (GPRO). Initially, it focused on issuing press releases and maintaining good relations between the press and the government. In 1957, the GPRO’s scope expanded to include the Jamaica Film Unit and the Government Broadcasting Service, leading to a name change to Public Relations and Information Services.

In January 1963, the GPRO was renamed the Government Information Office, which later became the Jamaica Information Service (JIS). During this period, a television unit was formed, and the JIS focused on writing and distributing press releases and photographs, producing publications, mounting public education campaigns, and creating content for radio, film, and television.

On April 1, 1974, under the administration of Prime Minister Michael Manley, the agency was granted a semi-autonomous structure with a nine-member advisory board chaired by journalist John Hearne. The organization was renamed the Agency for Public Information (API).

In 1980, during the administration of Prime Minister Edward Seaga, the agency’s name was reverted to Jamaica Information Service. On October 8, 1984, the Seaga government established the Jamaica Press (JAMPRESS) News Agency, which had been suspended since 1980, as its official news outlet. JAMPRESS took over the news-gathering function of the JIS, including its print news and photography functions. On April 1, 2001, as part of the World Bank-funded Public Sector Modernisation Programme, the JIS and JAMPRESS were merged to form a semi-autonomous executive agency headed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In this capacity, the JIS provides communication services to all ministries, agencies, and departments of the government and earns revenue from services offered to both government and non-government entities.

Source of funding and budget

Initially, PBCJ secured funding through the sale of assets from the former JBC. While there were plans to diversify funding sources, as of the 2023-2024 fiscal year, PBCJ remains primarily funded by the Jamaican government. In that budget, JMD 582 million (approximately US$ 3.72 million) was allocated for PBCJ’s personnel and management expenses. Additionally, the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) received JMD 948 million (approximately US$ 6 million) for broadcasting and publishing services.

Editorial independence

PBCJ maintains a commitment to editorial independence, focusing on its public service mission, which includes educational programming and coverage of national and regional events. The diverse composition of its board supports this independence. However, there is no formal statute or independent oversight mechanism currently in place to assess or guarantee the editorial independence of PBCJ’s content.

June 2025

Media assets

Publishing: Granma

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

As the official organ of the PCC, Granma is entirely owned and operated by the Cuban government. The newspaper’s management is appointed by the Communist Party, typically selecting loyal party members to oversee its operations. As of 2017, Yailin Orta Rivera serves as the editor.

Source of funding and budget

There is no public information detailing Granma‘s specific funding or budget allocations. However, it is widely understood that the newspaper is fully funded by the Cuban government through the Communist Party, according to local journalists interviewed for this report in May 2024 and February 2025.

Editorial independence

Granma operates under the direct control of the Communist Party of Cuba and serves as its primary communication channel. The newspaper’s editorial stance is explicitly supportive of the revolution and the official party line. Its content regularly features speeches by Cuban leaders, official government announcements, and articles promoting the achievements of the socialist state.

There is no statute establishing Granma‘s editorial independence, nor is there an independent assessment mechanism to validate its editorial practices. However, the newspaper includes a section titled “Cartas a la Dirección” (Letters to the Editor), where readers can submit feedback and complaints. This section serves as a bridge between readers, the government, and the newspaper, though it does not function as an editorial oversight mechanism.

In May 2025, Granma inadvertently acknowledged the existence of political prisoners in Cuba through a social media post, a significant deviation from the government’s longstanding denial of such prisoners. The post was quickly deleted and replaced, but it sparked widespread discussion and criticism.

May 2025

Media assets

Television: Tele Haiti

Radio: Radio Nationale

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

RTNH remains under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, a structure in place since 1995. In February 2025, the Haitian Council of Ministers initiated a significant restructuring of RTNH by establishing a five-member Technical Commission. This commission, led by Sandra Duvivier and including members such as journalist Jean Mary Simon and Gamall Augustin, is tasked with overhauling both the television and radio divisions of RTNH. The goal is to modernize the broadcaster’s operations and align its services with contemporary public service broadcasting standards.

Source of funding and budget

RTNH is entirely funded by the Haitian government. The most recent publicly available budget data indicates that for the fiscal year 2018–2019, RTNH operated with a budget of HTG 220 million (approximately USD 3.4 million).

While the national budget for 2024–2025 has been amended to address pressing national priorities, including security and economic recovery, specific allocations for RTNH have not been publicly disclosed.

Editorial independence

RTNH continues to function under significant government influence regarding its editorial content. Although it no longer serves as a direct propaganda outlet, editorial decisions are still predominantly made by government authorities. 

As of May 2025, there is no established legal framework or independent oversight body to ensure or assess RTNH’s editorial independence. The recent restructuring efforts may impact this dynamic, but their effectiveness in promoting editorial autonomy remains to be seen.

Despite the establishment of the restructuring commission, information collected from journalists working with the broadcaster in May 2025 indicates that RTNH faces internal administrative issues. Employees reported a lack of concrete steps toward meaningful reform, leading to concerns about the effectiveness of the restructuring efforts. The escalating gang violence in Haiti severely impacted RTNH’s operations. The broadcaster faced challenges in safely deploying journalists and maintaining consistent coverage, particularly in areas heavily affected by violence.

May 2025

Media assets

Radio: DBS Radio

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

DBS Radio is owned by the Government of Dominica and operates under the Dominica Broadcasting Corporation Act No. 33 of 1975. The corporation is managed by a state-appointed board of directors.

In June 2024, Damien Dublin was appointed as the new Chairman of the Board. Dublin brings over 30 years of leadership experience across public, private, and NGO sectors, including roles such as Chairman of the Public Service Commission and Dominica Reparations Committee.

Source of funding and budget

DBS Radio relies primarily on government funding for its operations. As of now, specific budgetary figures for the corporation have not been publicly disclosed by either DBS Radio or the Government of Dominica.

Editorial independence

Media experts specializing in Caribbean press freedom have noted that DBS Radio operates under significant government influence. Reports indicate that journalists may face job insecurity due to political reasons, and content analysis carried out for this project from January to June 2024 suggests a lack of coverage on opposition politicians.

There is no known domestic statute establishing the editorial independence of DBS Radio, nor is there an independent oversight mechanism to validate its editorial practices.

May 2025

Media assets

Television: Canal4RD, Quisqueya TV (17.1), EDUMAS TV (17.2), RTVD 4 Internacional

Radio: Dominicana 98.9/99.9 FM, Quisqueya FM, Radio Santo Domingo, EDUMAS Radio

State Media Matrix Typology

Independent State Financed and State Managed (ISFM)

Ownership and governance

CERTV operates as a state-owned company under the oversight of a Board of Directors, which includes representatives from various government ministries and sectors, as stipulated by Article 9 of Law 134-03. The Board appoints the Director General and other key positions, ensuring alignment with national cultural and educational objectives.

State authorities appoint the Board members. According to Article 9 of the law, the Board’s composition is as follows: a representative of the Ministry of Culture; the Secretary of State for Education; the Secretary of State for Higher Education, Science, and Technology; the Technical Secretary of the Presidency; the General Administrator of the Reserve Bank of the Dominican Republic; a representative of foundations linked to education and culture; and three individuals with proven prestige, knowledge, and experience in the field of radio and television communications, who have no direct and substantial interests in the commercial radio and television industry.

The President of the Republic decides who will hold the positions of President, Vice-President, and Secretary of the Board.

In April 2022, Iván Ruiz was appointed as the Director General of CERTV. Under his leadership, CERTV embarked on a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at modernizing the broadcaster and enhancing its editorial independence.

The law requires that, apart from the director, the company’s employees must be chosen by a career service to prevent them from being arbitrarily removed. However, the selection process depends on the Board of Directors, which the government controls.

Source of funding and budget

CERTV’s operations are primarily financed through public funds, including allocations from the state budget, special allowances from the presidency, and a designated percentage of the official budget for state advertising, as outlined in Article 25 of Law 134-03. In 2021, the budget stood at US$ 8.4 million, increasing to US$ 11.8 million in 2022. 

Editorial independence

Throughout its history, CERTV’s channels have been known for their propagandistic content. The 4RD evening newscast is a clear example of Dominican state television’s propagandist approach. An ad hoc content analysis conducted for this project in 2021 revealed that the content on CERTV’s platforms openly endorsed propaganda.

The CERTV has undergone significant transformations in recent years, particularly under the leadership of Iván Ruiz. Appointed as Director General in April 2022, Ruiz initiated a comprehensive reform process to enhance the broadcaster’s quality and editorial independence. These reforms received approval from CERTV’s board of directors and garnered positive media attention.

Under Ruiz, CERTV has achieved 100% transparency ratings for two consecutive months, as reported by the General Directorate of Ethics and Government Integrity (DIGEIG).

Consequently, in August 2024, CERTV was reclassified as an Independent State Funded and State Managed Media (ISFM) in the State Media Monitor’s matrix.

May 2025

Media assets

News agency: ACN

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

ACN is owned and operated by the Cuban government and functions under the oversight of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba. Its editorial direction aligns with the party’s communication policies.

Source of funding and budget

There is no publicly available detailed information regarding ACN’s budget. However, it is widely understood that the agency is primarily funded through government allocations, according to journalists and experts interviewed for this report in February 2025. Additionally, ACN generates supplementary income by providing news services to approximately 100 clients, including international wire services, television and radio stations, and print media companies.

Editorial independence

ACN’s editorial content predominantly reflects the perspectives and policies of the Cuban government. While the agency covers a range of topics, including sports and cultural events, its political reporting consistently portrays government officials and initiatives in a favorable light.

There is no legal framework establishing ACN’s editorial independence, nor is there an independent oversight mechanism to assess its journalistic practices.

May 2025

Prensa Latina operates a network of correspondents in approximately 40 countries and offers news services in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, French, Portuguese, Italian, and Russian.

Media assets

News agency: Prensa Latina

Publishing: Orbe, Negocios en Cuba, The Havana Reporter, Avances Medicos de Cuba, Cuba Internacional

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

Prensa Latina is a not-for-profit organization owned by the Cuban government. The agency’s management is appointed by the state, though the specific governmental body responsible for these appointments is not publicly disclosed.

Source of funding and budget

While Prensa Latina generates revenue by selling its content to various clients, including international media outlets, the majority of its funding comes from the Cuban government. Detailed budgetary information is not publicly available.

Editorial independence

Prensa Latina’s editorial content aligns closely with the perspectives and policies of the Cuban government. While the agency covers a broad range of topics, including international news, culture, and science, its reporting often reflects the official stance of the state. There is no legal framework establishing the agency’s editorial independence, nor is there an independent oversight mechanism to assess its journalistic practices.

TeleSUR, a Venezuelan state-funded media outlet, shares similar editorial objectives with Prensa Latina. Both organizations aim to present news from a perspective that challenges Western media narratives, often highlighting the successes of leftist governments in Latin America. Their content strategies include extensive coverage of government activities and policies, with minimal critical analysis.

May 2025

Media assets

Television: TV8

Radio: CBC Radio, The One, Q-100.7

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

CBC is a statutory corporation established under the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation Act of 1963 and functions under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister’s Office. Despite discussions over the past two decades about transforming CBC into a publicly listed company or privatizing it, these plans have not materialized. The most recent legislative amendment occurred in 2019, converting the role of General Manager into that of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

As of the latest available information, the General Manager is Sherwood McCaskie, with Mark Seale serving as the Head of News and Current Affairs. The corporation’s headquarters are located in The Pine, St. Michael.

Source of funding and budget

CBC continues to face significant financial challenges. As of March 2025, the corporation’s debt had escalated to over BBD 125 million, prompting a government-initiated restructuring process aimed at financial recovery. This restructuring includes transitioning to a fully digital platform and offering severance packages to staff as of April 1, 2025.

In March 2023, the Barbados government provided a cash injection of approximately BBD 6.9 million to assist CBC in covering debts, including salary payments.  Despite these efforts, the corporation has historically struggled with cash flow issues, leading to delays in salary payments and accumulating arrears.

Furthermore, the 2024 Fiscal Risk Statement from the Ministry of Finance highlighted CBC as one of several state-owned enterprises (SOEs) with high-risk financial profiles, indicating the potential need for additional government subventions in the fiscal year 2024/25.

Editorial independence

Concerns regarding CBC’s editorial independence persist. Interviews with local journalists in March 2024 and May 2025 revealed perceptions of the broadcaster functioning as a government propaganda outlet, often prioritizing the views of government officials while minimizing critical reporting. The nightly news program on TV8 has been colloquially referred to as a “ministerial parade.”

While the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation Act mandates the provision of “high-quality” broadcasting services, there is no specific statute ensuring editorial independence. Moreover, no independent assessment or oversight mechanism has been identified to validate the editorial independence of CBC’s channels.

May 2025

Media assets

Television: ZTV

Radio: The National Voice 1540 AM, The Light 810 AM, Inspiration 107.9 FM, Power 104.5 FM

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

The BCB is wholly owned by the Bahamian government. It was established by Parliament to operate radio and television services throughout the country. The Corporation is governed by a five-member board of directors appointed by the Governor-General upon the advice of the Prime Minister. The board is accountable to a cabinet minister responsible for broadcasting.

Source of funding and budget

The BCB has historically relied on state budget allocations for its operations. Despite government efforts to encourage the broadcaster to generate its own revenues, it remains heavily dependent on public funds.

In the fiscal Year 2023-2024, the government’s liabilities to the BCB amounted to US$ 6.1 million. In the fiscal year 2024-2025, the Ministry of Social Services, Information, and Broadcasting, which oversees the BCB, received a budget allocation of US $19.2 million.

Editorial independence

Concerns regarding political influence over the BCB persist. In June 2023, the appointment of Clint Watson, the Minister’s press secretary, as the BCB’s General Manager raised questions about the broadcaster’s editorial independence. Watson had prior experience with ZNS and in commercial media.

Cases of journalists being dismissed from the broadcaster for voicing their criticism have continued in recent years, according to media reports.

There is no domestic statute establishing the editorial independence of the BCB’s media outlets. Furthermore, no independent assessment or oversight mechanism has been identified to validate the editorial independence of the BCB’s channels.

May 2025