- LA PAZ, Bolivia: Bolivia’s Congress has passed a law that strengthens government influence over the airwaves by mandating that privately owned radio and TV stations only get 33 percent of licenses.
Leftist President Evo Morales has indicated he will sign the law. The measure gives the government 33 percent of broadcasting licenses and divides the rest among social and indigenous groups that are generally pro-government.
The head of the La Paz journalists’ association says the measure will permit the government to monopolize the airwaves. Most Bolivians get their news from the radio.
Bolivia’s broadcasters’ association says the new law could shut down 400 broadcasters in 2017 when their licenses are up for renewal.
