(AMARC/IFEX) – The following is an abridged version of a 28 October 2004 AMARC press release: AMARC welcomes “positive signals” from government with respect to legal recognition of community radio stations “Although concrete advances are still lacking, we are seeing positive signals,” Gustavo Gómez, director of AMARC’s Communication Rights and Legislation Programme for Latin America […]
(AMARC/IFEX) – The following is an abridged version of a 28 October 2004 AMARC press release:
AMARC welcomes “positive signals” from government with respect to legal recognition of community radio stations
“Although concrete advances are still lacking, we are seeing positive signals,” Gustavo Gómez, director of AMARC’s Communication Rights and Legislation Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean, said after an official visit to Mexico to follow-up on negotiations between the federal government and community radio stations affiliated with AMARC.
Gómez in particular noted the comments made by Interior Minister Santiago Creel when addressing radio and television industry entrepreneurs. Creel said “social groups and communities have the right, without a doubt, to use, within legal limits, the frequencies and technologies that are available to communicate and resolve their specific needs with regards to subsistence and development.” He added that “they should be given opportunities equal to those of all Mexicans.” In addition, the government has said it will not close community radio stations until negotiations have been finalised and has, thus far, honoured this commitment.
According to Aleida Calleja, AMARC’s representative in Mexico, a change in the government’s attitude has been observed in its public statements. However, Calleja also said, “even though licences could be granted to some stations that are already operating, as the long as community radio stations are not incorporated into the legislation and given legal recognition, the root of the problem will not have been resolved.”
Currently, many sectors of Mexican society, including prominent members of the press, are questioning the role of the electronic media and examining media concentration issues. There have been demands for legal recognition of community radio and television stations and revisions to the way in which frequencies are assigned in the framework of the reforms to the Federal Radio and Television Law currently under consideration by the Senate. A Senate subcomission plans to issue a final report on the issue before the end of the year.
Between 21 and 26 October, Gómez and Calleja met with parliamentarians and government officials involved in media issues, as well as local human rights organisations. The mission was part of AMARC’s ongoing efforts to urge the Mexican government to adapt the country’s broadcasting legislation to international standards.
Gustavo Gómez
Communication Rights and Legislation Programme Director
AMARC-ALC
