RELIGIOUS BROADCASTING: NO PROBLEM

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 001660

SIPDIS


STATE FOR DRL/CRA, DRL/IRF, DRL/BA, EUR/UBI


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM KIRF NL
SUBJECT: RELIGIOUS BROADCASTING: NO PROBLEM


REF: STATE 95060


AIRTIME ON DUTCH RADIO AND TELEVISION IS SUBJECT TO
LICENSING BY THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION FOR THE MEDIA.
IT IS GRANTED ON THE BASIS OF STRICT CRITERIA TO
LEGITIMATE ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE A SUFFICIENT
FOLLOWING. THESE CRITERIA ARE STRICTLY NON-
DISCRIMINATORY. THERE IS NO GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE
WITH THE LICENSING SYSTEM. ALL THE MAJOR RELIGIOUS
DENOMITATIONS HAVE AIRTIME. THERE IS NO CENSORSHIP, AS
THE DUTCH FULLY RESPECT THE FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND OF
SPEECH. FENDRICK