# Marino Luzardo and his success as a presenter and announcer on Cuban TV

**Date:** 02/22/2023

Those who know the ins and outs of the media know that television is no game: it saves you or ruins you at the same time. It takes just five minutes in front of the camera, perhaps less, to become immensely popular overnight, or to become a repudiated being.

From communication academies to various international forums, the harmful or virtuous action of television and its capacity to change ideas, impose models, beyond informing, educating and entertaining has been debated and studied.

That is why presenters, announcers or hosts carry the main weight of what happens in a studio. The failure or success of the audiovisual product largely depends on them. Every detail: inflection, diction, gesticulation… determines the quality of the work.

Television in Cuba has had several announcers and entertainers who, because of their charisma, earned popular admiration: José Antonio Alonso, Xiomara Fernández, Consuelo Vidal, Germán Pinelli, Eva Rodríguez, Hilda Rabilero, Lartiza Ulloa, Niro de la Rúa, Carlos Otero, Raquel Mayedo, Abel Álvarez, Magdiel Pérez…

In this (incomplete) list, the name of Marino Luzardo (1969) cannot be missing. Without fear of being wrong, we can affirm that this Telecommunications Engineer is today the most famous host on the island. His presence on television, galas or shows provokes in the viewer, above all, confidence.

We believe that "the Marino effect" consists of maintaining an equanimity that allows for the proper functioning of the program. He studies his interviewees, he does not allow himself to issue a judgment hastily, he calculates his jokes very well, he sympathizes with his interlocutor without deviating from that pattern he himself has created, although nowadays anything would be forgiven of him.

We agree with critic Norge Espinosa in affirming that Marino Luzardo "is a guarantee of rigor and elegance in a medium that has not always cared for that role, so important, of being the intermediary between what happens in the studio and those who recognize that person as someone who legitimizes the medium through the precise handling of data, references, diction, projection and so many things that this task demands".

"I don't like to boast about my position"
I recently saw your complaint about a fake Facebook account, I think it's not the first time. Would we say that these are the risks of being very famous?

I think it happens to a lot of people without being "famous". Facebook has become a double-edged sword for everyone. Many times I have wanted to distance myself, but then I lose that "good" edge that cuts and reveals mysteries that I also want to have access to and that sometimes I don't find in other places. I try to see the fun part too and appreciate the creativity of those who aspire for it to truly be a network for socializing, from a place of respect.

Does being so popular solve all your problems? Or quite the opposite?

Almost everyone thinks so, but I would tell you no. The fact of being a public figure demands, at least for me, an enormous effort. I don't like to boast about my position as a television personality and I cannot hide myself as I sometimes would like to. But I cannot deny that thanks to my work many doors open for me. The complicated part of the matter is having very clear the commitment you make when you put yourself in front of a television camera every day.

"Whoever exposes themselves publicly is always walking a tightrope"
In Cuba people follow you daily and some just to see what style of shirts you wear. Between the frivolity of many and the criticism of others, in what direction do you go? Do you manage to maintain the balance you need so as not to explode?

The shirt thing is something I never set out to do. Like every presenter who appears daily, I sought help from someone like Mario Freixas to vary my image on screen. That's his merit, I don't think he himself calculated that people would pay so much attention to that.

And yes, it worries me that sometimes some tell me they turn on the television just to see what I'm wearing, but it's something that's beyond my hands, so what touches then is to demonstrate that more than wearing a new or different shirt, I can maintain with my guests a conversation that is as coherent, interesting and beneficial as possible. And if a nice shirt can be the hook to get them to accompany me in that endeavor, then it's welcome.

As for balance, I try to maintain it. Whoever exposes themselves publicly is always walking a tightrope. And of course I explode, many times, like everyone.

Marino Luzardo. Photo: Otmaro Rodríguez.
Marino Luzardo. Photo: Otmaro Rodríguez.
We see you in a comedy show, in a soap opera, in entertainment, galas… Do you say "yes" to everything that involves lights and camera? Don't you overexpose yourself too much?

If you only knew how many "no"s I say quite frequently! When I accept something it's because I think it can be fun for me, as has been the case with "Vivir del cuento", or provide me professionally. Of course, sometimes you go with one idea and the result is another, but the "yes" was always well thought out. And as for galas and shows, I enjoy them a lot and it's something different from what I usually do. But regardless of what my answer is, I infinitely appreciate the confidence that those who invite me to be part of their projects place in me. It's a blessing to be taken into account.

There are those who say that announcers and/or presenters in Cuba still maintain an archaic pattern when addressing the public compared to other international television stations where they are more "relaxed". Which side do you take?

I believe I'm on the side of those who try to be as natural as possible on screen. It seems to me that is the key to reaching people. But yes, I do think we should relax more, I insist, in a natural way.

I am right now taking a course in television directing. Gaining experiences and knowledge. Better understanding the why of each element associated with audiovisual language. I have ideas that I want to materialize on screen as a director as well.

From your interviews, it's known that you love Cuban music, Spanish music…

I very much enjoy music, very much, and I'm interested in discovering new things through it. I think that like reading it's a great way to get closer to other cultures, to other realities, to other eras. I like the music that makes me think, the music that makes me dance, the romantic music, in short, almost all music.

And tomorrow back to the same program as always. Have you never woken up thinking: "I don't want to do this anymore"?

Yes, and I feel fortunate for it. In that time slot I've been for almost 15 years with no other intention than to have a good time on both sides. It's not always achieved in a daily program, but believe me we do our best to make it so. There are mornings when I wake up wanting to do something else, break with everything, maybe one day it will happen. For now, I keep returning to that television time slot to which I owe so much and to those people who, every noon, expect the best from me.