The U.S. has long provided the Cuban people with alternative sources of news and information. As part of this effort, in Dec. 2006 the International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB) awarded sole-source contracts to two Miami radio and TV stations -- Radio Mambi and TV Azteca -- to provide additional broadcasting options. Additionally, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB) annually awards millions of dollars in contracts for talent services -- writers, reporters, and technical support -- needed to produce and broadcast news and entertainment programming. This report evaluates the processes used to award: (1) the Radio Mambi and TV Azteca broadcasting contracts; and (2) talent services contracts. Includes recommendations. Charts and tables.

For more than two decades, the U.S. gov¿t. has been broadcasting to Cuba to break the Cuban gov¿ts. information blockade and promote democracy in Cuba. Over this period, questions have been raised regarding the quality and effectiveness of these broadcasts. This report examines: (1) the Office of Cuba Broadcasting's (OCB) broadcasting approach and what is known about its audience; (2) how the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) -- which oversees U.S. gov¿t. broadcasting -- and OCB ensure compliance with journalistic principles; (3) steps taken to ensure adherence to domestic and international broadcasting laws, agreements, and standards; and (4) steps that have been taken to address mgmt. challenges.