In Miami, the sound of Radio Mambí echoes through cafés, cars, and homes, resonating deeply with Cuban exiles and shaping the city’s political identity. As a long-standing symbol of Cuban-American conservatism, the station has been pivotal in mobilizing Miami’s Latino electorate. However, in recent years, Radio Mambí has become a lightning rod for debates about misinformation, particularly as it contributed to Miami-Dade County’s dramatic political shift in the 2024 presidential election.
A Historic Voice for Cuban Exiles
Founded in 1985 by Cuban exiles, Radio Mambí has long been a bastion of conservative ideals centered on anti-communism and the fight against Fidel Castro’s regime. Its very name invokes the mambises, Cuban guerrilla fighters who helped liberate the island from Spanish rule. In its early days, Mambí served as a vital connection to the outside world for Cubans still living under Castro’s rule, broadcasting news and commentary that couldn’t be accessed within Cuba.
Stationed near Miami’s iconic Versailles Restaurant, Mambí quickly became an institution. Under the stewardship of hosts like Armando Pérez Roura and Martha Flores, the station informed and galvanized the Cuban-American community, fostering a sense of unity and purpose.
The Political Rise of Miami’s Cuban Community
Initially, Cuban exiles avoided deep involvement in U.S. politics, believing their stay would be temporary. However, as Castro’s regime endured, they redirected their focus toward influencing American foreign policy and supporting anti-communist initiatives. Mambí played a central role in this transformation.
The station helped propel figures like Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the first Cuban-American woman elected to Congress. It also shaped public opinion on key issues like the Clinton administration’s handling of the Elián González case, where a young Cuban boy was returned to his father in Cuba despite public outcry. These moments cemented Mambí’s reputation as a powerhouse of political influence among Miami’s Cuban voters.
From Conservative Roots to MAGA Messaging
While Mambí has always been conservative, its programming began to take a distinct turn in the era of Donald Trump. By 2016, the station amplified rhetoric aligning with the former president’s agenda, framing Democrats as socialists and using fear of leftist regimes in Latin America to rally its audience.
The shift was not accidental. As Miami’s Latino electorate grew more diverse—with Colombians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans joining the political fray—Mambí doubled down on its anti-socialist messaging to maintain relevance. The station’s audience, predominantly older Cuban-Americans, resonated deeply with narratives warning of socialism’s dangers, drawing parallels to their experiences with authoritarian regimes in their home countries.
By 2024, Mambí had become a hub for MAGA-aligned conspiracy theories, including claims about election fraud and misinformation surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris. Critics argued the station had morphed into a propaganda machine, perpetuating unverified claims and fostering distrust in democratic institutions.
The Controversial Sale to Latino Media Network
In 2022, Radio Mambí was sold to the Latino Media Network, a Democratic-led organization funded partly by progressive billionaire George Soros. This acquisition sparked outrage among Cuban exiles, who saw it as an attempt to stifle conservative voices. Popular hosts resigned in protest, advertisers withdrew, and listenership dipped, though the station’s programming largely remained unchanged.
Ironically, under its new ownership, Mambí became even more aligned with MAGA ideologies, with critics accusing it of broadcasting “Trump cult programming” filled with disinformation. Democratic pollster Fernand Amandi described the station as a platform for “verifiable lies,” amplifying conspiracy theories without accountability.
The Spread of Disinformation and Its Impact
Radio Mambí’s talk-show format has proven particularly effective in disseminating misinformation. Unlike traditional news outlets, its programming blends commentary with news, creating an echo chamber for unverified claims. Callers often repeat false narratives, which hosts fail to challenge, further legitimizing these views.
A 2021 report by Miami-based NGOs highlighted the station’s role in perpetuating conspiracy theories, including falsehoods about election fraud and Covid-19. For example, former host Nelson Rubio claimed Democrats had manipulated the pandemic to increase absentee ballots, framing it as a tactic to rig the election. These narratives contributed to Miami-Dade County’s unexpected swing to the Republican Party in 2024, the first such shift in 36 years.
Mambí’s Cultural Significance Amid Controversy
Despite the controversies, Mambí remains deeply ingrained in Miami’s cultural and political fabric. It continues to serve as a voice for Cuban-Americans and older Latino voters, even as it faces criticism for its role in spreading disinformation. Its influence on Miami’s electorate underscores the power of radio in shaping public opinion, particularly within tight-knit immigrant communities.
Conclusion
Radio Mambí’s journey from a trusted voice for Cuban exiles to a controversial player in Miami’s MAGA transformation reflects broader shifts in the city’s political landscape. While its contributions to the Cuban-American community’s rise in U.S. politics cannot be overstated, its recent role in spreading disinformation has sparked significant concerns. As Miami’s Latino electorate continues to evolve, the station’s future—and its responsibility in shaping informed public discourse—remains a topic of heated debate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Radio Mambí, and why is it significant?
Radio Mambí is a Miami-based Spanish-language radio station founded by Cuban exiles in 1985. It has played a crucial role in shaping the political identity of Miami’s Cuban-American community, serving as a platform for conservative and anti-communist ideals.
2. Why did Radio Mambí’s messaging shift in recent years?
The station’s shift aligns with the broader rightward turn of Miami’s Latino electorate, particularly during Donald Trump’s presidency. Fear of socialism and parallels to Latin American regimes have driven this transformation.
3. How did the sale to the Latino Media Network impact Mambí?
The 2022 sale to a Democratic-led organization sparked backlash among listeners and hosts. Despite promises to maintain the station’s integrity, critics argue its programming has become more aligned with MAGA ideologies.
4. What role does Mambí play in spreading disinformation?
Radio Mambí’s talk-show format facilitates the spread of misinformation, with unverified claims often repeated by both callers and hosts. Critics argue this has contributed to political polarization and mistrust in democratic institutions.
5. How has Radio Mambí influenced Miami’s political landscape?
Mambí has been instrumental in mobilizing Miami’s Cuban-American electorate, shaping its conservative leanings. Its impact is evident in Miami-Dade County’s recent political shifts, including its swing to the Republican Party in 2024.