[cr-india] Brazil: Lula to Decriminalise Unlicensed Community Radios

[Stalin K]

Dear all,

Here is a news we wish had come from India too! Anybody interested in a
second movement to free our airwaves?

Stalin K.
Community Radio Forum





PRESS RELEASE 

For immediate release ­ 10 February 2009

Brazil: Lula to Decriminalise Unlicensed Community Radios

In January 2009, Brazilian President Lula sent a bill to Congress which
would decriminalise the operation of a community radio without a license.
This is a long-standing demand by community radio associations and freedom
of expression organisations in Brazil.

ARTICLE 19 has in its work repeatedly highlighted the obligation on States
to promote pluralism and diversity in the media, as an aspect of the right
to freedom of expression. International law recognises the important
contribution that community broadcasting, along with commercial and public
service broadcasters, can make to realising media pluralism. We therefore
welcome this initiative.

At the same time, we note that far more needs to be done to create a proper
enabling environment for public interest broadcasting in Brazil. Current
Brazilian regulatory policies and practices are not conducive to the
development of community broadcasting. Thousands of community radios around
the country are waiting to receive a license, in part due to the lengthy and
inefficient licensing process, which is not adapted to their needs or
situation, and in part due to the fact that an inadequate number of licences
have been allocated for community radio use. Community radios still face
potential civil or administrative measures for operating without a licence,
which can also have a harsh impact on them.

Data provided by the Federal Police in 2007 indicate that by August 2007,
1,800 community radios had been closed down and had their equipment
confiscated, and many individuals have been criminally charged for operating
Œillegal¹ radios. There are many accounts of intimidation and violence by
police officers and other authorities relating to these closures.

ARTICLE 19 calls on the Brazilian government to undertake a comprehensive
reform of the regulatory regime for broadcasting, including creating an
enabling environment for community broadcasters. Urgent measures should also
be taken to speed up the processing of existing licence applications.

NOTES TO EDITORS: 

€ For more information: please contact Paula Martins at paula at article19.org,
+55 11 3057 0042. 

ARTICLE 19 
ARTICLE 19 is an independent human rights organisation that works globally
to protect and promote the right to freedom of expression. It takes its name
from Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which
guarantees free speech. For more information on ARTICLE 19 please visit
www.article19.org <http://www.article19.org>

6-8 Amwell Street London EC1R 1UQ United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7278 9292 - Fax: +44 20 7278 7660 - info at article19.org -
www.article19.org <http://www.article19.org>


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