Written by General Seo on Sep 19th, 2010 | Filed under:
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http://links.org.au/node/1182
The Organic Telecommunications Law, which was passed in June 2000, states that there are three types of broadcast media in Venezuela: private, state and community. The law gives legal recognition to community broadcasting, enabling it to receive special tax breaks. In order to be recognised as a community broadcaster, the programming has to meet the certain criteria. Principally, the station must be non-profit and dedicated to the community, with the requirement that 70% of its programming must be produced within the community. Also, there must be a separation between the station and its programming, which means that the station itself may only produce 15%, leaving the remainder to be produced by community volunteers. In addition, the station must provide training to community members so the production of media is accessible to everyone. The law also states that the directors of the community media cannot be party officials, members of the military or work for private mass media.[3]
Although the constitution of Venezuela recognises community media, prior to the April 2002 coup against the Chávez government these small television, radio and newspaper resources did not receive much attention from the state. Active support was not provided.
Before Chávez was elected president, participating in community media was a clandestine activity and a victimised form of freedom of speech; homes and offices that housed community radio stations were often raided and operators feared for their lives. Community media stations have since multiplied, amplifying the voices of individuals and communities, increasing community communication and cohesion, fostering cultural awareness and political participation, and increasingly meeting the positive freedom of speech rights of Venezuelans. A new form of participatory communication based on local experiential knowledge is gaining popularity and influence.[4]
Despite the strong foundation community media has in the Venezuelan constitution and laws, community media is still a relatively new voice evolving into an active forum for the democratic and revolutionary process of the Venezuelan people. Community media has become a necessary alternative because it is made and controlled by the people.
After the failed coup attempt, the government realised how crucial community media is to the people and to the state. It became apparent that the state media cannot be the only alternative to the private media because of its relatively low ratings and its consolidated nature, which make it vulnerable in a coup situation. When Channel 8, the state-run television channel, was taken off the air during the coup in April 2002, most Venezuelans were denied accurate coverage of events. The coup was defeated with the help of community media stations and activists; they rallied their communities to take to the streets and demand their voices be heard.[5]
