Media Owners Warn BTL-Speednet Deal Threatens Press Freedom

Big concerns tonight over the proposed BTL-Speednet buyout. Three business owners representing independent media houses, Channel 7, Plus TV, and XTV, formerly Krem Television, are speaking out. They held a press conference in Belize City, warning that this deal could threaten free speech, freedom of expression, and the free press. One owner was blunt, saying his stance is about self-preservation after past negative experiences under similar circumstances. For these media leaders, it’s about protecting their independence and the public’s right to information.

 

Jules Vasquez, Owner, Channel 7

“In my opinion it is a road that is fraught with dangers for free speech, for freedom of expression and for the free press and I believe it is also to some extent unlawful for a handful of board members of BTL to contemplate the telecoms future of the entire countries, by just a four or five government appointed directors in a board room making such a decision that will have such a profound and far reaching effect in telecom services and how we connect with each other and the world.”

 

Mose Hyde, Owner, XTV

“The reason why you could choose dah morning or evening or any other time is because you have competition and to have competition there are certain things that each media house that is a part of the whole ecosystem must take on. I don’t know about others, but I know that behind this table right now, we have trauma from the kind of concentrated control of something that is as important to us as the telecommunication grid. This is self-interest. This is self-preservation, this is survival, but it is also about defending something for the public interest, because choice and competition are progressive. They are the way it should be. So, we stand, we sit together what is being contemplated.”

 

We note that Greater Belize Media also operates as an independent media house. In our effort to remain impartial and provide viewers with varying views on the topic, thoughts and opinions from multiple sectors of society have been aired on this news station.