REYES THEIS
EL UNIVERSAL

Venezuelan broadcasters are deeply concerned about the fact that the 156 amplitude modulation radio stations operating in the country applied for renewal of their broadcast licenses, but they have received no answer from the National Telecommunications Commission, according to the Chair of Venezuela's Broadcast Chamber Ciro García.

He added that radio stations are abiding by the law and made reference to the impending closure of private television station RCTV. The 53-year-old TV channel is expected to go off the air on May 27, the date when its broadcast license expires, as President Hugo Chávez' government refused to extend the permit.

Question: What do you think about the government's announcement that broadcast licenses for (amplitude modulation) radio stations are expiring next May 27?

Answer: We are not sure that broadcast licenses for amplitude modulation radio station expire next Sunday. However, we have made every possible effort and asked the National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel) to renew the licenses for all of the amplitude-modulated radio stations, under the form of an extension. We are certain that our licenses -even though they have not expired- can be extended for 20 years. This is what we have told Conatel.

Q: When did you file the application with Conatel?

A: As soon as we listened to Minister of Telecommunications Jesse Chacón's statements on this issue, our organization forwarded a letter to broadcasters operating nationwide to ensure they were in compliance with the law. Therefore, they were asked to send a letter to Conatel requesting an extension of their broadcast licenses for 20 years. The letters were forwarded three months ago, and so far we have received no reply. Not a single radio station has received a communication from Conatel stating that the license renewal procedure is under way.

Q: What are the radio stations that sent or were supposed to file such application with Conatel?

A: The 156 AM radio stations operating in Venezuela.

Q: And what about the frequency-modulated radio stations?

A: In this case, their licenses were granted in 1988, and therefore they are expiring on 2008.

Q: Has any Conatel official been available to address this issue with you?

A: I believe Minister Chacón has been really busy with the issue of (nationalization of telecoms firm) Cantv and (power utility) La Electricidad de Caracas. I have been told that he intends to meet with the Broadcast Chamber. I believe broadcasters are complying with all of the requirements for operation, and we are willing to overcome this issue.

Q: Are there radio stations whose licenses have expired and are waiting for an answer from Conatel on the renewal of their permits?

A: As far as I know, there is none. Under the Telecommunications Law of 1940, if one party does not give notice the other that the license will not be renewed, then the license is renewed automatically. Therefore, we believe our licenses are abiding by the law.

Q: But some government officials claim the licenses for some radio stations are expiring this month...

A: If they are expiring, Conatel is supposed to give notice to the relevant broadcasters that their licenses will be renewed, because as far as I know not a single radio station is being subject to any administrative investigation that may result in non-renewal of the broadcast license.

Q: Has non-renewal of RCTV license hit radio broadcasters somehow?

A: A number of radio broadcasters have shown concern about this issue. I think the government is making a mistake, and believe they can rectify, and I ask the President of the Republic to do so.

Translated by Maryflor Suárez R.
msuarez@eluniversal.com