AMERICA/PARAGUAY - The Catholic community “raises its voice” in favor of community radio

Asuncion (Agenzia Fides) - The Association of Catholic communicators in Paraguay (ACCP) considers it necessary that Congress reviews the amendments to the telecommunications law, because as it is proposed, any community radio which broadcasts advertising is prohibited, which “condemns Community Radio to extinction, because it denies them any possibility to subsidize their costs.” In a public statement signed by Professors Ilde Silvero and Jorge Garcia Riart, President and Secretary of the ACCP respectively, the Catholic communicators recalled that “community radio stations could broadcast advertising campaigns of foundations, NGOs, governmental agencies, etc. and remain viable, provided they are non-profit.”
According to the statement, “the media influence the view of the world and society, impressing upon people's education and cultural identity through information, opinions and the promotion of human values. But at the same time we can not ignore that the mass media are sources of wealth creation and are also tools for political and social power.”
“Citizens in general”, continues the statement sent to Fides, “have the legitimate right of access to media and opinion and to promote their own media to give voice to public opinion, to civil associations of educational, cultural, religious, or of a trade union nature, etc.” These tasks performed by community radio stations, able to facilitate such access because the “social sectors with fewer resources, usually with very limited access to means of mass communication, can make their voice heard and exercise their right to freedom of expression.” (CE) (Agenzia Fides 30/11/2010)