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The following is from the IFEX Communique # 5.15


BRAZIL: MORE THAN 300 COMMUNITY RADIO STATIONS SHUT DOWN

The Brazilian Ministry of Communication ordered the closure of
more than 300 community radio stations and the confiscation of
their equipment last month, reports the World Association of
Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC). The action was taken during
negotiations between the Ministry and the Forum for the
Democratization of Communication, which aim to study "the legal
standing of community radio in Brazil." AMARC says, "The Forum
had proposed as a priority the establishment of rules and
regulations that would legally enable community radio stations to
carry out their social and educational objectives."

According to the Pulsar news service, Minister of Social
Communication Sergio Motta said "he would submit a bill to
Congress to regulate so-called `free radio stations' which have
been operating in the country for the past several years." He
also reportedly said that the 300 stations will remain closed
"until the current legislation is changed." Pulsar reports,
"Representatives of the free radio stations were surprised by the
minister's move, and fear that he was reacting to pressure from
the owners of large media networks." In a letter to the Minister,
AMARC suggests that "instead of using force, the minister should
help provide Brazil with a law that is respectful of these radio
stations, which promote democracy and development."


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The IFEX "Communique" is published weekly in English, French and
Spanish by the IFEX Clearing House, Toronto. The facility is
operated by the Canadian Committee to Protect Journalists (CCPJ)
in partnership with the member organizations of the International
Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX). Material for the
"Communique" may be submitted to the CCPJ, 490 Adelaide Street
West, Suite 205, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 1T2, CANADA; E-mail:
ifex@web.apc.org; Tel: (1-416) 703-1638; or Fax: (1-416)
703-7034. Editor: Kristina Stockwood. Subscriptions are available
by e-mail and surface mail. The views expressed in the
"Communique" are the responsibility of the sources to which they
are attributed.
________________________________________________________
Bruce Girard
AMARC - Pulsar
Email: bgirard@pulsar.org.ec
http://www.web.apc.org/amarc/pulsar.html
Tel: +(593-2) 525-521    Fax/Tel: +(593-2) 542-818
Avenida America 3584, Casilla 17-01-1171, Quito, Ecuador