Posted on 07/04/2009 11:22:14 PM PDT by Skibane
Venezuelan official: Radio licenses to be revoked
The head of Venezuela's telecommunications regulatory agency said Friday that 240 radio stations will have their licenses revoked for failing to update their registrations with the government.
Critics warn the move could be aimed at punishing radio stations that are critical of the government.
A total of 86 AM radio stations and 154 FM stations have failed to turn in required documents, said Diosdado Cabello, who heads the telecommunications agency. He said "an administrative proceeding is being opened immediately" and will lead to the "recovery of all those concessions by the state."
Cabello, a close ally of President Hugo Chavez, said those radio stations "aren't interested in updating their information" and aren't complying with the law. It remained unclear what recourse the radio stations might have.
The government last month began a process of updating the registrations of television and radio stations based on a law regulating broadcasters, and demanded that all outlets present their information to the regulatory agency by June 23.
The move against the radio stations comes amid tensions generated by other investigations against the opposition-aligned television channel Globovision, which could lead to its closure.
Obama’s minions at the FCC are probably down in Venezuela taking notes about now.
Chavez’ new Fairness Doctrine.
Si, coming soon to a conservative talk radio station near you!
Radio stations tend to be the best way in any country....of delivering opposition to the current political structure. They are cheap to run....they take very little in terms of technology to operate...and they reach to thousands of people on a daily basis.
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