Radio Holguin’s ‘Dial ISA’: A Different Approach to Broadcasting

Aracelys Avilés Suárez

Beyond the conventional, the corny or empty phrases, there is still a radio sound that deals with cutting edge art. Where? When? Sundays at 10:30 a.m. at 96.1 MHz on your dial.

This dream has come true thanks to a new broadcasting station: Radio Holguin. Its "Dial ISA" is a program produced by students in this city’s Higher Arts Institute (ISA in Spanish). Aimed at promoting their works, the directors use and present a novel way of broadcasting, said Humberto Gonzalez Carro, the director of ISA, who added that this effort is unique in Cuba.

Another of the programs, "Through the Eye of the Needle," is the critics´ opportunity for debate - mostly by experts who discuss controversial issues such as the concept of culture and radio programming in Holguin. Likewise, "Close-up" offers the opportunity to meet ISA graduates and members of its teaching staff to learn who they are and what they do.

In terms of music, "Dial ISA" offers a privileged position to Cuban music. Holguin musical production is also promoted, mainly lyrical music. Another strong point is the announcers’ style, with no pompous or phony voices and no clichés.

The idea is to have all students to participate. There is no fixed production team; each broadcast has its own director, announcer, producer and editor.

One thing for sure is that "Dial ISA" is entertaining, without succumbing to banality. With a sense of humor and a concept of what good art is, its creators are a mirror of themselves and their city.

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