Natalia Díaz and the Passion for Advising

Life led Natalia Díaz Riverón to radio quite by chance. Twenty-three years ago, she held various jobs. She worked at a biscuit factory, a wholesale food company, the INDER (National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation), law firms, and even within the government. Most of these roles were linked to the field of law, the discipline in which she earned her degree.

Law was her only professional passion until 2003, when she applied for an advisory position at Radio Holguin, a turning point that changed everything. She took the qualifying test alongside Mayra López, who was then the head of the drama department at CMKO Radio Angulo. Mayra secured the position, drawing on her prior experience in the medium. Meanwhile, at the suggestion of Cecilia Berdote—the deputy director of programming at the time. So Natalia began her tenure as head of the drama department for the provincial station. That was February 6th, 2003.

Since then, she has explored various roles—even in sound production. “If only to point out when a mistake has been made.” She has also taken on small acting roles and tried her hand at writing. Penning a short story, a crime drama, and more. She has always enjoyed writing, and has even ventured into directing. However, it is the role of an advisor that has truly defined her artistic career at Radio Angulo.

Natalia notes that “radio advisors are sometimes not even considered artists. Yet when an advisor becomes deeply involved in a program’s production process, their contribution goes far beyond simply reviewing a script.” She recalls with emotion her first evaluation as a program consultant. A task she undertook for “Uri Uri Urá,” a children’s music program that went on to win an award at the National Radio Festival. That evaluation remained etched in her memory forever: “At that moment, radio officially opened the door for me into the industry.”

She mentions other consultants who worked at Radio Angulo years ago. Colleagues from her early days such as Ketty Pérez, Marcia Pantoja, Ana Elena Pérez, Cecilia Berdote Rojas, and Milagros Susana Fuentes. As well as those from other generations, including Flor Vega, Tamara Manso, and Bárbara Rodríguez.

Over the years, Natalia has taken on various responsibilities, serving as Deputy Director of Programming and, currently, as Provincial Director of Radio. Yet, she has never stopped working as a consultant. A role she continues to fulfill today for the programs “Footprints” and “Colors’s Festival”. For her, setting aside her role as a consultant is simply impossible. A testament to the fact that, 23 years ago, radio captured her heart. This story serves to illustrate the passion that every consultant carries within.

By: Yailyn Ojeda Grass