Photo: Yamila Pupo Otero/Radio Angulo 

CMKO Radio Angulo: 90 Years Connecting Generations (+ Photos)

CMKO Radio Angulo, the flagship station of the Holguin Radio System, celebrates 90 years since its first broadcast on August 1st. This anniversary not only symbolizes longevity but also testifies its evolution. As a community radio station that has transcended generations. Establishing itself as an essential pillar of communication in Cuba.

CMKO began broadcasting in 1936 under the ownership of Manuel Angulo Farrán. Also who was assassinated for his revolutionary ideals during the Fulgencio Batista dictatorship in 1957. After the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, on January 6th, 1959, the station, in honor of its founder, began to be known as CMKO Radio Angulo.

From its beginnings as “Tribuna del Pueblo” (People’s Tribune). It has been characterized by its commitment to public service. Striving to inform, educate, and entertain its audiences with social responsibility and a strong sense of identity. More than nine decades of experience broadcasting local, national, and international events attest to its reputation for reliability and popular support.

Its programming currently features more than 70 interactive radio formats. Musical, news, sports, youth, dramas, historical, social guidance and support programs. That reflect the cultural and social complexity of Holguin and cater to the information and entertainment preferences of diverse audiences.

Since 2001, CMKO Radio Angulo has been one of the first stations in the country to venture into the digital ecosystem. Extending its reach beyond traditional airwaves. Its integration into digital platforms—website and social media. It has allowed it to strategically and creatively use new technologies to strengthen its social and educational mission. To enhance the reach of its message.

For decades, its various programs have forged a deep connection with listeners and the community. Fostering dialogue and civic engagement, and contributing to the strengthening of collective identity. For nearly 30 years, Moraima López León dedicated herself wholeheartedly and passionately to leading CMKO Radio Angulo. A challenging mission now undertaken by Natalia Díaz Riverón amidst an increasingly fragmented and competitive media landscape.

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Natalia Díaz, director of CMKO, with experienced sound engineer Raimundo Peña. Photo: Yamila Pupo Otero/Radio Angulo

 Its history includes prominent figures whose legacy remains relevant. Such as Sergio Antonio González Valero and Vilma Pérez de Aguiar, National Radio Award winners. The Honored Artists Rafael Peña Santana and Osvaldo Aguilera González, the voice that identifies CMKO. This distinction is also held by the charismatic Enma García, who has hosted the emblematic music program “El especial del sábado” (The Special Saturday) for 45 years. And the renowned radio broadcaster César Hidalgo Torres.

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Its sound bears the imprint of generations of voices: Alicia González, César Hidalgo, and Aniel Santiesteban. Photo: Taken from Ahora
The tireless work and talent of its professionals, generation after generation, have made this station a leading voice in the country. Names like Martín Arranz Fuentes, Adolfo Víctor Mora, José Francisco Ochoa, Miguel Gutiérrez Guetón. Bárbara Sánchez, Carlos Rousseau, Néstor Salazar Silva, Alicia González Diéguez, Félix Hernández. Rigoberto González Limiñana, Noire Aguilera Montaña, Ernesto Rondón, Luis Ernesto Urbino, Idalmis Castellano Sánchez. Odelta Álvarez Ochoa, Raimundo Peña Cruz, Yinet Cruz Cabrera, Gilberto García Acosta. Celia Arévalo, and so many others lend prestige to the team of producers at this radio station. Which has been closely linked to the birth of radio broadcasting in Cuba since 1922.
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Noire Aguilera, renowned sports commentator for Radio Angulo. Photo: Archive

CMKO Radio Angulo, as the flagship station of the Holguin radio system. It comprises eight municipal stations and six radio studios. Throughout its 90 years, it has combined experience and wisdom to report current events with immediacy and accuracy. Its news agenda—especially its flagship newscast, “De Primera Mano” (Firsthand)—has accompanied the various processes of economic, social, and cultural transformation in Holguin and Cuba. An essential function for a media outlet that understands its mission. With the responsibility and commitment to satisfy the informational and cultural needs of the people.

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Live broadcast of the newscast “De Primera Mano.” (Firsthand) Photo: Archive
Its community role has been essential in keeping the population informed during difficult situations. Such as the Special Period, adverse hydrometeorological conditions. Health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic, and epidemiological outbreaks of arboviruses. Its microphones have always remained open to the people in the face of any event. Supporting the community with clear, useful, and truthful messages.
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Radio Angulo producers. Photo: Archive

CMKO is distinguished by its ability to adapt to technological challenges. Demonstrating resilience in the face of difficulties, especially during the current power crisis. Faced with prolonged blackouts, its signal has found alternatives to remain on the air, because community radio must always be accessible.

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Radio Angulo producers. Photo: Archive
As the leading media outlet in the province, it has been recognized with the Holguin Axe. The Replica of Máximo Gómez’s Machete, and more than once with the National Vanguard award. It has also hosted national radio festivals three times. For the last 10 years has consistently ranked among the best stations in the country in its category.

Radio Angulo is the voice of Holguin, a symbol of resilience, creativity, and trust. A key player in building a pluralistic media landscape that respects diversity and is open to new voices. It is the bridge between tradition and modernity that connects generations.

Yamila Pupo Otero