(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an 8 June 2006 FMM press release: Closure of private satellite broadcasting station CBN Sat The Free Media Movement is extremely concerned about the arbitrary decision taken by the authorities to seal the private satellite broadcasting station CBN Sat on the night of Tuesday June 6 2006. This company has […]
(FMM/IFEX) – The following is an 8 June 2006 FMM press release:
Closure of private satellite broadcasting station CBN Sat
The Free Media Movement is extremely concerned about the arbitrary decision taken by the authorities to seal the private satellite broadcasting station CBN Sat on the night of Tuesday June 6 2006.
This company has been broadcasting in Sri Lanka for over one year and has publicly advertised their services. Many Sri Lankans who wish to watch satellite broadcast programmes including foreign news and entertainment have availed of their services. If there were any allegations as to the legality of this enterprise, it is surely surprising that it has taken so long for the authorities to take action against them. The rumours that have emerged around the sudden suspension of CBN SAT services on the eve of the World Football Cup matches regarding business rivalries as being at the root of the government’s decision are extremely worrying and need to be immediately refuted by those in charge.
The Free Media Movement strongly defends the right of all those living in Sri Lanka to have access to the highest available forms of communication and information technology.
We call on the government and the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to restore access to the clients of CBN SAT and to ensure that the rights to information and knowledge of Sri Lankan citizens are protected.
The Free Media Movement calls on the government to follow due processes of investigation to affirm that the company abides by all rules and regulations governing broadcasting in Sri Lanka, and to proceed with prosecution if it is found that they have indeed acted in violation of such rules and regulations.
