José Luis Basulto: Sports Narrator Who Closed the Microphones
José Luis Basulto reflects on Career, Cuban Sports Landscape
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José Luis Basulto, a Cuban journalist, narrator, announcer, writer, and sports commentator, recently shared insights into his career trajectory and his outlook on the current state of Cuban sports. His journey, marked by both triumphs and tribulations, offers a unique lens thru which to view the evolving landscape of Cuban media and athletics.
Early Radio Career
Basulto’s broadcasting career began at Radio Cadena Agramonte, where he fulfilled his aspiration of working at a radio station. Initially assigned as an audio operator, he soon began reading morning bulletins.Concurrently,he sought guidance from sports narrators Cardoso pepper and Carlos del Canto,who encouraged him to practice narrating baseball games at the Cándido González stadium.
His debut as a baseball narrator occurred in February 1985, during a series between Isla de la Juventud and Camagüey, broadcast on Radio Caribe.
Transition to Television
Basulto’s foray into television began at Televisión camagüey,where he participated in a speaker training course before the channel’s inauguration. He hosted informative magazines and produced reports for the morning show.
In July 1998, Basulto moved to Havana with the intention of working at Rebel Radio.Although a position wasn’t instantly available, he started as an announcer before stepping into a role vacated by Walfrido Castro. At Radio Rebelde, he became a sports commentator for the “Making Radio” program and later a program host.
Radio Rebelde provided Basulto with his first opportunity to travel outside Cuba in 1999, covering the World University Games in Palma de Mallorca, spain. He subsequently covered major events such as the Pan American Games of Santo Domingo 2003, the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, and the Central American and Caribbean Games in Cartagena de Indias in 2006.
Challenges and Setbacks
After serving as Deputy Director of Sports at Radio Rebelde, Basulto transitioned to Tele Rebelde as head of sports writing. However, he faced opposition due to not having completed a degree in Social Dialog and remained a narrator-commentator.
In November 2007, after returning from a narrating contract in Panama, Basulto faced criticism that led to his departure from Tele Rebelde. He spent over two years without radio or television work.
During this period, esteban Ramírez Alonso, then director of the Cuban News Agency, offered him an opportunity to create a sports newsletter for the agency’s radio system. He later joined Radio Habana Cuba in 2012, hosting programs such as “Our America,” where he interviewed various figures. These interviews formed the basis of his book,”From Radio to the Printed Word.”
Return to Radio rebelde
basulto’s return to Radio Rebelde as an announcer took two and a half years due to political opposition. He eventually became the main host of the national News of Radio. Simultaneously, he worked as an off-air news announcer for Cubavision International, later transitioning to sports for nine years.
Despite his experience, Basulto was not selected to participate in sports transmissions and was later involved in the National Television News (NTV), where he provided comments and chronicles. His chronicle on coach Ronaldo Velía was particularly well-received. Though, his tenure at NTV ended after a chronicle dedicated to Eugenio George was deemed “excessively praiseful” and ultimately not aired, leading to his resignation.
State of Cuban Sports
Basulto believes the crisis in Cuban sports mirrors the contry’s economic struggles. He argues that Cuba’s unproductive economy and adherence to outdated ideologies hinder progress. he notes that many Cubans seek opportunities elsewhere, and Cuban sports have suffered as a result.
All-Star Cuban Baseball Team
When asked to name an all-star Cuban baseball team, Basulto presented the following lineup:
- SS: Luis Ulacia
- 2B: Antonio Pacheco
- 3B: Omar linares
- DH: “Cheíto” Rodríguez and Orestes Kindelán
- 1B: Antonio Muñoz
- RF: Luis Giraldo Casanova
- LF: Lourdes Gourriell
- CF: Victor Mesa
- C: juan Castro
- LZ: Jorge Luis Valdés
- LD: José ariel Contreras
- R: Aroldis Chapman
- manager: José Miguel Pineda
Basulto acknowledged the debate around comparing players who did not play in MLB to current stars like Yordan Alvarez or Aroldis Chapman. He asserted that many Cuban players from previous generations possessed the talent to excel in MLB, citing names such as Pedro José Rodríguez, Rogelio García, and Omar Linares. He emphasized the passion and dedication with which those players approached the game.
Basulto concluded that while individual talent remains in Cuban baseball, the overall team quality has declined.
José Luis Basulto on His Career and the State of Cuban Sports: A Q&A
Who is José Luis Basulto?
José Luis Basulto is a Cuban journalist, narrator, announcer, writer, and sports commentator. He has had a long career in Cuban media, offering insight into the world of sports and broadcasting.
What was José Luis Basulto’s Early Career in Radio Like?
Basulto’s broadcasting career began at Radio Cadena Agramonte. He started as an audio operator and later read morning bulletins. He received guidance from experienced sports narrators,who encouraged him to practice narrating baseball games. His debut as a baseball narrator was in February 1985,covering a game between Isla de la Juventud and camagüey on Radio Caribe.
When Did Basulto Transition to Television?
Basulto’s move to television began at Televisión Camagüey,where he participated in a speaker training course. He hosted informative magazines and produced reports for the morning show before later moving to Havana and working at Radio Rebelde and Tele Rebelde.
What Were Some of the Highlights of Basulto’s Career?
Basulto’s career highlights include:
Early Radio: reading morning bulletins and debuting as a baseball narrator in 1985.
Radio Rebelde: Becoming a sports commentator and host, and covering international events.
International Coverage: Covering the World University Games in Palma de Mallorca (1999), the Pan American Games (2003), the Athens Olympic Games (2004), and the Central american and Caribbean Games (2006).
Radio Habana Cuba: Hosting programs such as “Our America.”
Did Basulto Face Any challenges in His Career?
Yes, Basulto faced several challenges:
Transition to Tele Rebelde: He faced opposition as he did not have a degree in Social Dialog.
Departure from Tele Rebelde: He was criticized after returning from a narrating contract in Panama in 2007,leading to a period without work in radio or television.
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