Conatel: 200 petitions to start alternative community media stations
Venezuelan telecommunications regulatory body (Conatel) general director, Alvin Lozada reports that he has received around 200 petitions to set up community broadcast stations. "Currently there are 26 community stations on the air throughout Venezuela ... 20 are radio stations and the rest local TV channels."
Conatel had to adjust the legal status of earlier stations after the new telecommunications law came into force ... "before the boom the only community channels in the country were TV Caricuao and TV Cultural Michelena."
Then along came the experience of TV Catia closed down last month and re-opened by Metropolitan Mayor, Alfredo Pena.
Radio Perola became famous for its coverage of news during the Venezuelan private print & broadcast media blackout on April 12-14, 2002. Other community stations are Teletambores, Radio Chuspa, la Voz del pescador, Soberana Stereo, Tarmena FM, Tarmas TV and 95.1 Amistad Stereo y Gente.
Lezama points out that the difference between community media and others is that the former has no commercial interests, are not based on profit and are community approved.
Under the new law, community stations can broadcast adverts for small to medium companies geographically located in the community.
Constitution of the
