It is clear that many refer, metaphorically, to the skills they are born with and which will develop as these qualities are discovered.
But if we must talk of the “bug” of the radio (endlessly repeated expression) let us welcome those who whether with a spider or a centipede inside devote to create.
Those “infected” by the “bug” celebrate in Cuba, every August 22nd, the Day of the Radio: a tribute to the dedicated and novices who cast away those apocalyptic ideas against the media.
According to Magda Resik: “The radio is a very portable communication instrument that plays with something that television steals from us: the own imagination, the self-identity, the individual (…) The radio is a phenomenon like theater because there is nothing more beautiful than that live direct contact with the recipients; there is nothing more beautiful than that certainty that what we are being told is being born at that moment, in that instance.”
Talking or not about the “bug” will be a matter of each person. If the desire for telling stories remains, then it would not matter which animal contaminates us. The radio will remain and it is confirmed everyday with the example of great figures who left their mark in the ether and those who from a radio studio devote all their time to this media.
In that group of artists is Idania Betancourt Hernandez, reknown director from Artemisa and admired not only for her voice and charisma, but also for her dedication to the media since 36 years ago.
“It’s a great life. I think since I was born it was what I always wanted to do. I did not start with sixteen or seventeen, I started with eight years by the hands of Professor Rosa Martinez, thanks to her I’m here. Like almost every child, I loved to sing, dance and all those qualities were focused on the media I liked the most: the radio, simple as that.”
Idania Betancourt is considered as one of the most complete women within the media in the western province of Artemisa. Her years of experience are not the only one that gives her that category, but her ability, her skills to face a microphone and give her best.
Perhaps for all this she takes on the responsibility of being the President of the Chair of Broadcasters in that territory or rigorously assuming the task of teaching the younger generations. She works with children and sometimes she has been just one more child, either in a radial serial or varied program. She also writes for them, inspired by the exquisite work of the writer from Pinar del Rio, Nersys Felipe.
We arrived at Radio Artemisa and at the number two studio; we talked with Idania Betancourt, interrupting -briefly- the recording of one of its programs. Her voice seduces, but her charisma traps even more.
Inside the radio, everything, but the presentation is what captures Idania Betancourt the most, why?
Because it is the way to communicate with that wonderful audience we have. It is also the way to transmit first hand information to them and because I like to give myself to the people.
But the presentation is not what only “traps” Idania Betancourt, because you also work acting, write scripts, direct some programs… it is much for one person. Don´t you think so?
And if I tell you I do all with pleasure. Look, the radio pollutes and who comes to the media wants to do everything, not just because of that of comprehending all and wanting more and more, but because who likes the radio has that desire, that ambition.
For example, when I play a role in a radio serial… I put on the shoes of a needy person with problems, perhaps a happy person … I guide my life through it: I have felt the 86-year-old grandma, the eight years old child. Do you see? The radio charms.
Even a lifetime in Radio Artemisa, The station has become the first place; here you spend most of your time. Why do you prefer this one and no other one?
I held on, I “stick on”. I like my country and my people. I am from Cuba… See, that makes me cry (Interrupts). Although there were proposals for working in the capital and other places, there was always a reason that left me here, right here where I am.
Translation by: Lisandra Alapon (Cubarte)
Edition by: Daysi Olano Fernandez
