reedom of the press that would allow for different political views, which are fundamental for a democratic regime. Radio, television, and the print media are rather instruments of ideological imposition that follow the dictates of the group in power and are used to transmit the messages from that group to the grass roots and the intermediate levels. The main newspapers in Cuba reflect only the viewpoints of the government. Only to a very limited extent do they report on the debates that take place within the high-level officials of the state. As a result, self- criticism is also limited. It is a role the press plays with a view to transmitting the grievances of the grassroots to the top officials in power. Nonetheless, in no way do these grievances overstep the limits of ideological conformity. In no way can they oppose, or become spokespersons advocating a radical change in the prevailing regime, or that hold upper-level government officials accountable in relation to substantive political issues. The Castro regime maintains a firm stance against independent journalism. In June 1998 the government labeled Cuba's small group of independent reporters self titled independent journalists dedicated to defaming our people by means of the radio stations that broadcast from Miami against Cuba. (Human Rights Watch 151) In contrast the government called upon the truly free press to serve the socialist state by guaranteeing the continuity of socialist, patriotic, and anti-imperialist ideas and values, and the revolution itself for future generations of Cubans. (Human Rights Watch 151) Today in Cuba there does exist an independent press. There are three remaining independent news agencies in Cuba, Havana Press, Cuba Press and Cuban independent Journalists Bureau. Many of the journalists worked for government media until they were fired for ideological incompatibility and now are trying to make a living freelancing for foreign news organizations. (...
