It was on July 3rd, 2006, that the magazine program “We Are So Close,” the brainchild of Víctor Osorio Zaldívar. First aired on Holguin’s CMKO radio station. This project replaced the magazine program “Dimensión Mil Ciento Diez” (Dimension One Thousand One Hundred Ten). A show with a well-established audience. Making it a challenge for the team to maintain listener loyalty with a program that also encouraged audience participation.
In that initial phase, Víctor Osorio wrote the script and served as general director alongside Odelta Álvarez Ochoa. Later, Bárbara Sánchez joined Odelta as program director.
The script, a fundamental pillar of radio production, has been written by several writers. Including Rodolfo Santiago, Mayda Escalona, Bárbara Sánchez, and currently Yanelis Calvera, Maité Santiesteban, Julio César Pupo, and Irán Jorge Artiles. The program’s founding advisor was Flor Vega Hornia, later replaced by Cecilia Berdote. And for the past few years, by Tamara Manso.
One of the defining characteristics of “Estamos tan cerca” (We Are So Close) is its live broadcast. A complex undertaking due to the interviews, the number of contributors, and the various segments. Therefore, the sound engineer in the master control chair bears a great responsibility. A role that has been held for many years by Eric de la Cruz Rovira and also by Eduardo Vega Garcell.
And the voiceover? A specialty where every artist who has worked on the magazine has left their mark. Championing the identity of this space and, above all, touching the hearts of every listener.
The first voices were Migdalia Albear Camejo, Gilberto García Acosta, and Rafael Peña Santana. A trio representing different generations of broadcasters. We also remember Guillermo Sarmiento, Carmen Iglesias, Tatiana Galván, and currently, the duo of Maité Santiesteban and Julio César Pupo.
Contributors to “Estamos tan cerca” (We Are So Close) Magazine on CMKO. This magazine focuses on addressing topics of interest to Holguin families. Featuring various sections ranging from physical and mental health care and legal matters to art, cooking, and much more. All of this is thanks to the network of contributors who have been part of its team for many years.
Among the many specialists featured on the program are Master Jorge Grau, psychotherapist Mariela Góngora, writer Belkis Méndez, Dr. Teresita Hidalgo, journalist José Miguel Ávila, and Dr. María Eugenia Escobar. Also who has been collaborating for over ten years and became an essential voice. During the special broadcasts the program aired during the difficult times the country faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
But that’s not all. This team doesn’t limit itself to broadcasting live from the main studio of CMKO Radio Angulo. They have also reached various locations throughout Holguin province through on-location broadcasts. Companies with outstanding teams and recreational centers are some of the places the team, led by Odelta Álvarez. It has visited to showcase the work and dedication of those employed there.
And that’s because “Estamos tan Cerca” (We Are So Close) isn’t just a program. It’s a big family—because they’ve shared so many special and challenging moments. And that’s what unites them—it’s experience, consistency, and fun. It’s a faithful companion from Monday to Friday, from eight to ten in the morning. Which is why—almost 20 years after its first broadcast—it continues to be the program for Holguin families.
By: Yailyn Ojeda Grass
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