Colombia. The ICT Ministry is preparing a call for licenses for ethnic broadcasters. To this end, it published for comments the draft terms of reference of the call, with the aim that interested parties can make observations and enrich the process with which new channels of sound communication will be made viable for these communities.
ICT Minister Mauricio Lizcano stressed that "we are working to provide the most remote communities with the greatest needs with opportunities for development and growth. Having a radio station opens a window of access to knowledge and information with the world, in addition to promoting the dissemination of our popular economies. We invite all those interested to know the draft of the call and to contribute their ideas and suggestions".
The draft of the call 001 of 2023 for the provision of the Public Service of Community Broadcasting for ethnic communities (indigenous, black, raizales, afro-Colombian, palenqueras and Roma), contemplates 186 channels for the same number of municipalities and non-municipalized areas of the country.
The channels offered were organized by population group and the availability of 84 channels for indigenous communities was projected; 97 channels for black, Afro-Colombian, Raizales and Palenquera communities, and five for Roma communities (under study by the ANE).
This is the second time that MinTIC has carried out a process for ethnic community broadcasters and it is expected to achieve greater coverage of the service.
The draft can be consulted by clicking here. Comments can be sent to email [email protected] until 11:59 p.m. on June 16, 2023.
