Marcelino Miyares: Cuban-American broadcaster, marketer, producer and professor dies in Miami

Marcelino Miyares, the Cuban-American entrepreneur who left an important mark among Latino residents of the burgeoning Chicago area, both through his pioneering, independent Channel 60 and his multicultural ad agency, O.M.A.R., died in Miami, Florida last week.

“Both his independent station and his ad agency contributed in giving a voice to one of the country’s largest Hispanic population hubs,” said one industry expert. “And he did it at a time that was still too incipient and risky.”

A mild-mannered, empathetic leader, Miyares prided himself on being an honest, keen listener. A law graduate from Havana who had taught at a Catholic university, he was described as a patient, nonjudgmental and compassionate boss who added a studious approach to his natural business instinct. He had earned a PhD in Political Science from the prestigious Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and a master’s degree in International Relations from Georgetown University in Washington.

While Channel 60 was sold by Miyares in the eighties, the family-owned ad agency continued operating into 2000 having served many national brands. Miyares had a diversified portfolio and continued his life as an investor involved mostly in communications-related projects.

In contrast to his serene and affable demeanor, his life was anything but static. Committed to his Cuban roots, Miyares fought the Fidel Castro dictatorship since an early age joining the Brigade 2506 in their ill-fated Bay of Pigs landing of 1961. With time, he gradually became a well-known voice of reason, a freedom-seeking activist who defended Human Rights anywhere in the world, advocated for a peaceful transition, and was globally recognized by the reputable international organizations that bring together democratic parties worldwide. In a most surprising event, Miyares was named president of The Christian Democrat International, one of the post-World War II institutions that had helped facilitate the advancement of democratic values, as well as the European integration process. The appointment was uncharacteristic for a member of an exile community.

In 1990, after creating Times Square Studios in New York City, from which he produced syndicated shows for American television, he founded MM Communications, a consultancy firm for mass media initiatives, with offices in Miami and Panama.

In 1989, Miyares saw his profile rise when he helped produce the world-acclaimed film, “Nobody Listened,” by Jorge Ulla and Oscar-winner Néstor Almendros. It was followed by his role as producer of playwright Iván Acosta’s spirited dramatic comedy “Amigos.”

Marcelino Miyares Sotolongo was born in Limonar, Matanzas, Cuba, in 1937. With his first wife and former business partner, he had fathered four children (Marcelino, Juan, María and Ana). The family enjoys six grandchildren (Julian, Martin, Isabel, Alexa, Ana and Jack). Miyares was married to Lourdes Gómez. He was 89. He will be remembered by many for his generosity, integrity and philanthropy.