| Newspaper editors support CNN bureau in Cuba (Dec. 3, 1996)
Published: December 03, 1996
Last Updated: January 09, 1997
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RESTON, Va. -- The American Society of Newspaper Editors has urged President Clinton to
make sure that the federal government does not oppose the opening of a
Cable News Network news bureau in Cuba.
Recently the Cuban government said it is willing for CNN to begin covering
Cuba through a bureau in Havana. ASNE has long supported the opening of
an Associated Press bureau in Cuba.
In a letter to President Clinton, ASNE president Robert H. Giles stated:
The American Society of Newspaper Editors eagerly supports improved
access to news and information throughout the world. We therefore strongly
urge that the administration not block Cuba’s recent offer to permit CNN
television to open a news bureau on the island.
Under your executive order of October, 1995, you have the authority
to allow U.S. news organizations to open bureaus in Havana. We believe
all media should have unrestricted access to Cuba, and the opening of a
CNN bureau is a beginning to build upon.
Fostering increased news coverage of Cuba is consistent with the desire
of all Americans for democratic institutions there. The presence of U.S.
news bureaus not only will permit Americans to better understand Cuba’s
repressive system, it will help protect local journalists on the island
who are struggling to be independent.
Giles is editor and publisher of the Detroit News. Founded in 1922, ASNE
is an organization of the main editors of daily newspapers in the United
States and Canada. There are currently 825 members.
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