14ymedio

14ymedio / Yoani Sanchez
Posted on May 14, 2014

Yesterday I was arguing with a friend about the importance of journalism
in the current Cuban situation. He wanted to convince me to join his
opposition party and I reminded him that a reporter should not have any
kind of militancy. It was an affectionate conversation, peppered with
jokes, but one which made clear the different positions that must be
taken by a reporter versus a politician.

Now here I am, remembering the conversation of a few hours ago and
posting on my personal blog the face and name of a shared dream. A
medium that we hope will support and accompany the necessary transition
that is going to take place in our country. A space dedicated to
narrating a reality where there are people like my friend, but also
other people who applaud the current system, out of conviction,
opportunism or fear. A space to report on Cuba from within Cuba.

It will be a difficult road. In recent weeks we have seen a preview of
how official propaganda will demonize us for creating this medium.
Already, in fact, several people on our work team have received the
first warning calls from State Security. However, we have no reason to
be hesitant. 14ymedio emerges with nothing to hide. Information
regarding its editorial approach, ethics and financial commitments will
be available on our web page which will go live on May 21. Although we
had hoped to have it working today, I have to admit that technology is,
at times, extremely capricious.

For those who are wondering why this name, so unique and different, the
fact is that we originate from the fourteenth floor in the fourteenth
year. In addition, it includes the "Y" that has accompanied me all these
years, and the word "media" with all its journalistic connotations. We
wanted to shy away from appropriating the name of Cuba for use on our
masthead, and instead we have chosen the most universal of codes: numbers.

Now, all that's missing is that it pleases you, generates debate, and
provides you with information. Thanks in advance!

14 May 2014

Source: 14ymedio / Yoani Sanchez | Translating Cuba -
http://translatingcuba.com/17ymedio-yoani-sanchez/