PL key role in media battles

CUBA: The creation of the Prensa Latina news agency (PL) was the first big response of the Cuban Revolution to the international media's declared war against the Island, Cuban journalist Ernesto Vera said on Thursday. Vera, who is also Honorary President of the Latin American Federation of Journalists, described as convincing the message transmitted by Prensa Latina since its founding on June 16 1959. PL has made Latin America its main emphasis, where it has critical influence on the consciousness of those in the region, he said during a workshop on the development of Prensa Latina in the 60s held at the Havana-based International Press Center.

The workshop is a part of a series of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the Press agency.

Vera also recalled significant moments in the emergence of PL, particularly the work of its first President, Argentinean Ricardo Masetti, as well as founders Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Rodolfo Walsh and Francisco V. Portela, among others.

Speakers during the workshop also included journalists Jose Bodes, Frank Guiral, Mario Mainade and Edel Suarez.- Havana, Prensa Latina