[NYTr] "Dean of Cuban Journalism" Dies in Havana at 88

[All the News That Doesn't Fit]

Agencia Cubana de Noticias (ACN)
http://ainch.ain.cu/mailman/listinfo/ingles


Beloved Cuban Journalist Passes Away in Havana

Havana, August 8 (acn) Juan Emilio Friguls Ferrer, considered by many 
as the dean of Cuban journalisn, passed away on Monday in Havana at the 
age of 88.

Friguls was well-known for his rigorous work, persistence, elegance and 
sharp sense of humor. He was born in Havana on August 3, 1919.

During an interview, when asked about the essential features of a 
journalist he replied:

"First of all, a journalist must be loyal to his ideology. This is 
fundamental not only in Cuba but elsewhere. If a journalist is not 
honest with his own convictions, he will have no influence on his 
audience.

"Secondly, a journalist must be continually informed. You can hardly 
inform the audience if you are not updated, not only in your specialty 
but on the top stories from around the world."

Friguls began his career as a journalist in 1945. In 1962, he began 
reporting for Radio Reloj where he kept on working until the last 
moment of his life.

He was awarded with the Replica of General Maximo Gomez's Machete, 
bestowed by Cuba's Ministry of Armed Forces; the Alejo Carpentier 
Medal; and the National Culture Award.

Friguls was also the recipient of the Jose Marti National Award for 
Journalism and was nominated for the Principe de Asturias Award.