Journalism in Cuba : An investigation of the professional role based on qualitative interviews with fourteen Cuban journalists

Abstract: This bachelor thesis, which is also the result of a Minor Field Studies scholarship, examines journalists’ situation in Cuba. The aim is to see the working conditions of the journalists by listening to how they themselves perceive their professional role, what their professional values are and what they see as opportunities and obstacles in their work. A major reason for undertaking this research is the theoretical perspective that emphasizes the importance of journalism studies in developing countries. The results are based mainly on fourteen qualitative interviews with Cuban journalists. By comparing the results with earlier studies including development journalism and studies about digital media in Cuba the study shows that Cuban journalists’ main duty is to defend the Communist Party. Many of the interviewed journalists experience self-censorship as a problem and blame it on Cuba's lack of a press law. Even if journalist salaries are extremely low, just like salaries of other professions in the state, the journalists highlight many positive aspects of their job. The education is free and some of the interviewees have opportunities to travel both within and outside the country because of their job. Cuban journalists are well educated, normally have a great passion for their profession and often have a strong desire to improve their work. The technological development in Cuba is slow but changes the conditions for the journalistic work and will continue to have a great influence on Cuban society.