Por Shavelly González García 
Carlos Benítez Hernández, born in the City of Bridges and raised during his childhood in the town of Jovellanos, is today one of the great personalities of broadcasting in the Yumurina city. His passion for conducting began since childhood with his imaginary radio station, but it was not until high school that he began in the world of broadcasting.
His beginnings as a presenter: radio, a fascinating world that is enjoyed with passion
“I came to Radio 26 thanks to a call made by the Frecuencia Abierta program. My mother heard it and encouraged me to go. I didn’t show up because they were requesting the Bachelor’s degree and I hadn’t yet completed year twelve. However, they made a second call and on that occasion if I attended, I had nothing to lose. With the condition of finishing the twelfth grade, they accepted me and that is how in the year 92 I began to work in this media.“On the radio, each place is a fascinating world that is lived and enjoyed with passion. If I could have my home there, I would live with pleasure. “I have been an announcer on most of the programs. I have felt very good in all of them because I have given the best of myself and I have taken the best from them, but there are two that I have special affection for: Ask yourself and On the radio.”
Television: a medium that demands much more from you “I started on television in 1999 with the inauguration of the telecenter, in a cultural program called When the muses arrive. Television is more complex than radio because with a gesture you can express different opinions. You have to worry not only about what you say, but how you say it; for clothes, makeup and hairstyle.
“The pressure to make a good speech grows over the years, because experience requires a greater commitment to the audience. Nerves and worries will always be on the surface when you go on air. The day that doesn’t happen, then we should worry. We respond for what we say and that is always a great responsibility.”
Carlos off camera: family and his passions Family is one of the most important pillars in the life of Carlos Benítez, they are part of his growth as a person and professional.
“My dad died when I was four years old. He was a great veterinary doctor, recognized in Jovellanos and the rest of the Island. I knew about him through references, but very few physical memories remain, except for some recording tapes and photographs. “To my mother, I did have the pleasure of having her close to her and reciprocating her affection and dedication. I took care of her with a lot of love until the last of her days. My wife and my children are my great motivations, with them I maintain a relationship of respect, trust and communication.
“I am a big dreamer. I am passionate about cooking and those who have tried my cooking say that I am not bad at all, and I love Italian and Creole food. And I really enjoy dancing, although I’m not very good at it. (ALH)
Translated by Casterman Medina de Leon