- The radio station had been reporting traffic in this state for more than 20 years | Photo: Pixabay
The National Telecommunications Commission of Venezuela (Conatel) closed the Victoria 103.9 FM radio station based in the state of Aragua on Friday, September 13.
“Dear listeners and followers of Victoria FM, today, September 13, we received a visit from Conatel with an order to cease our broadcasts through resolution N GST-RS00899, which declares the ‘extinction of the sound broadcasting license,’” he reported on his X account (formerly Twitter).
Dear listeners and followers of #VictoriaFMhoy #13Septwe received a visit from CONATEL with an order to cease our transmissions through resolution N GST-RS00899, which declares the “extinction of the sound broadcasting license.” pic.twitter.com/sMRWXixn9g
— Victoria FM (@victoria1039fm) September 13, 2024
In response to the news, the National College of Journalists (CNP) issued a statement rejecting the organization’s decision and expressing its solidarity with the broadcaster.
“We reject the closure of Victoria FM. Our solidarity with our colleagues for this act ordered by Conatel. Once again, the government censorship that limits the freedom of information and expression guaranteed in our National Constitution is evident,” he said on the social network.
Conatel officials visited the radio station to order journalists to turn off their equipment, according to information published by the CNP.
Despite the news of the closure, the radio station continues to report on traffic in Aragua through its X account.
We reject the closure of @victoria1039fm Our solidarity with our colleagues for this act ordered by Conatel. Once again, the government censorship that limits the freedom of information and expression guaranteed in our National Constitution is made evident.
— cnpven (@cnpven) September 13, 2024
What is known about the closure of Victoria 103.9 FM
Table of Contents
The management of Victoria FM told the National Union of Press Workers (SNTP) that around 15 workers were left unemployed following the measure.
“The radio station’s management assured that the Telecommunications Commission argued that they did not submit documentation requested in previous years, but the media insists that they are up to date,” he added on the social network.
The radio station’s management said that the Telecommunications Commission argued that they did not submit documentation requested in previous years, but the media insists that they are up to date.
Around 15 workers are left unemployed after the closure. #13Sep
— SNTP (@sntpvenezuela) September 13, 2024
According to the CNP, this radio station was dedicated to public information service. The station focused on road reports on Aragua’s highways, especially on the Autopista Regional del Centro.
“With the closure of Radio Victoria FM, a significant number of workers are laid off, including many journalist colleagues, who with great responsibility dedicated themselves to road reporting as a public service,” he denounced on X.
Radio station closures in Venezuela
In September 2023, it was reported that At least six radio stations closed in Venezuela because Conatel did not renew their concession.
Three of the stations that have ceased operations so far this year, in addition to the recent one in the state of Aragua, are from Táchira; two from Portuguesa and one from Bolívar.
Both the CNP and the SNTP describe these actions as a violation of freedom of expression and of the press.
Regarding violations of freedom of expression, the non-governmental organization (NGO) Public Space documented 101 cases during the month of August. This figure was 67 fewer than the number recorded in July, when 168 were registered, the highest figure of the year.
The NGO said that violations of freedom of expression occurred mainly due to “acts of censorshipintimidation and harassment” in the context of the post-election “demonstrations and political conflict.”
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#Conatel #ordered #closure #Victoria #radio #station #Aragua
2024-09-14 04:56:20
– What led to the closure of Radio Victoria 103.9 FM in Venezuela?
The Surprising Closure of Radio Victoria 103.9 FM: A Blow to Freedom of Expression in Venezuela
The National Telecommunications Commission of Venezuela (Conatel) has sparked outrage among journalists and citizens alike with the sudden closure of Radio Victoria 103.9 FM, a prominent radio station based in the state of Aragua. The unexpected shutdown has raised concerns about government censorship and the erosion of freedom of expression in the country.
A Long-Standing Radio Station Shut Down
Radio Victoria 103.9 FM had been reporting traffic updates in Aragua for over 20 years, providing an essential public service to the community. The station’s management and journalists were caught off guard when Conatel officials arrived at the station with an order to cease broadcasts, citing “extinction of the sound broadcasting license” through resolution N GST-RS00899.
Journalists and Authorities React
The radio station took to social media to express their shock and disappointment, saying, “Dear listeners and followers of Victoria FM, today, September 13, we received a visit from Conatel with an order to cease our broadcasts through resolution N GST-RS00899, which declares the ’extinction of the sound broadcasting license.'”
The National College of Journalists (CNP) swiftly condemned the closure, stating, “We reject the closure of Victoria FM. Our solidarity with our colleagues for this act ordered by Conatel. Once again, the government censorship that limits the freedom of information and expression guaranteed in our National Constitution is evident.”
The Human Cost of the Closure
The shutdown of Radio Victoria 103.9 FM has resulted in the loss of employment for around 15 workers, including journalists who had dedicated themselves to providing road reports as a public service. The National Union of Press Workers (SNTP) expressed concern over the fate of these workers, who are now left without a job.
What is Known About the Closure
According to the radio station’s management, Conatel claimed that they had failed to submit required documentation in previous years. However, the station insists that they are up to date with their paperwork. The CNP has described the closure as a blow to freedom of expression and a restriction on the right to information.
The Importance of Radio Victoria 103.9 FM
Radio Victoria 103.9 FM was a vital source of information for the people of Aragua, providing critical updates on road conditions and traffic. The station’s dedication to public service was evident in its commitment to reporting on the Autopista Regional del Centro, a major highway in the region.
Conclusion
The closure of Radio Victoria 103.9 FM is a disturbing development in the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression in Venezuela. The sudden shutdown of this prominent radio station sends a chilling message to journalists and media outlets across the country, highlighting the need for continued vigilance in the face of government censorship and control.
