Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07CARACAS1432
2007-07-18 15:11:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Caracas
how-toVZCZCXRO6117 PP RUEHAG RUEHROV DE RUEHCV #1432/01 1991511 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 181511Z JUL 07 FM AMEMBASSY CARACAS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9290 INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHWH/WESTERN HEMISPHERIC AFFAIRS DIPL POSTS PRIORITY RUMIAAA/HQ USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL PRIORITY RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 CARACAS 001432
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
HQSOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD
DEPT PASS TO AID/OTI RPORTER
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/18/2017
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM SCUL VE
SUBJECT: PRESS FREEDOM UPDATE
REF: A. CARACAS 01054
B. CARACAS 01306
CARACAS 00001432 001.2 OF 003
Classified By: ACTING POLITICAL COUNSELOR DANIEL LAWTON
FOR REASON 1.4 (D)
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 CARACAS 001432
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
HQSOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD
DEPT PASS TO AID/OTI RPORTER
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/18/2017
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM SCUL VE
SUBJECT: PRESS FREEDOM UPDATE
REF: A. CARACAS 01054
B. CARACAS 01306
CARACAS 00001432 001.2 OF 003
Classified By: ACTING POLITICAL COUNSELOR DANIEL LAWTON
FOR REASON 1.4 (D)
1. (SBU) This press freedom update outlines new and sustained
efforts by the BRV to curtail freedom of expression in
Venezuela. After removing Radio Caracas Television (RCTV)
from public access television, the BRV has launched another
round of attacks in an effort to damage the network's
credibility. The government is taking similar actions
against several other media outlets. The opposition-oriented
press has responded by dismissing unsubstantiated BRV
allegations of efforts to destabilize Chavez. Journalists
have also organized sizable demonstrations in favor of
freedom of expression, such as the ones held to mark the "Day
of the Journalist." We expect President Chavez to continue
employing a variety of mechanisms - legal, economic,
judicial, and rhetorical - to harass the free press. Items
in this report include RCTV and TVes updates and ongoing
attacks on journalists and media outlets. End Summary.
--------------
RCTV Goes Cable
--------------
2. (U) Radio Caracas Television (RCTV) began transmitting on
July 16 some of its most popular entertainment and news
programs via local cable providers. RCTV President Marciel
Granier announced July 11 that the network has brokered deals
with DirecTV, Inter, Net Uno, SuperCable, and Planet Cable
after weeks of negotiations. Granier had previously alleged
that the BRV was harassing prospective cable television
providers into not signing agreements with RCTV. Granier
assured RCTV supporters that the network's management would
continue to challenge the BRV's decision to revoke its
broadcasting license.
3. (U) The move to cable has reportedly cost RCTV close to
USD 1 million due to expenses associated with the purchase of
additional technical equipment. (Note: On May 26, the
National Guard took physical control of RCTV's transmission
towers following a Supreme Court ruling, allowing the
telecommunications regulatory agency, CONATEL, to
"temporarily" transfer the rights of the equipment to TVes.
End Note.) RCTV resorted to transmitting some of its
programs through YouTube and its Colombian affiliate station
Caracol, following the BRV-imposed shutdown on May 28.
--------------
RCTV to Pay Hefty Fine
--------------
4. (SBU) The tax collection agency, Seniat, notified RCTV on
June 3 that it owed over USD 790,000 in back taxes,
corresponding to fiscal years 2003-2006. The network
acknowledged in a press release that it had received the
invoice and stated it was in the process of reviewing its
financial records. RCTV added that its accountants had
identified troubling discrepancies in Seniat's application of
the law. Seniat's notice came only two weeks after RCTV
reportedly paid CONATEL over USD 300,000 for interest
penalties dating back to 1999-2000. Prior to RCTV's closure,
Seniat authorities insinuated to the media that RCTV might
owe significant amounts in unpaid taxes but did not provide
details. CONATEL and Seniat's aggressive collection efforts
against RCTV are largely viewed part as the government's
sustained efforts to discredit the network.
--------------
TVes: Growing Pains
--------------
5. (SBU) The newest government-sponsored television station,
TVes, which replaced RCTV, has been plagued by a host of
problems, including copyright violations, technical
difficulties, and low ratings, since its inauguration. On
June 4, less than a week after TVes first aired, a
Miami-based production company, Wide Angle, sent a letter to
Venezuelan Ambassador Bernardo Alvarez informing him that
TVes was illegally broadcasting one of its products. Wide
Angle requested that TVes cease transmitting the travel
series "Destinations X" and that it remit payment for the
episodes already aired. In a June 6 press release, TVes
agreed to cease broadcasting the program. TVes claimed it
had acquired the rights to broadcast "Destinations X" through
CARACAS 00001432 002.2 OF 003
a local distributor.
6. (SBU) TVes' decision to fire its entire news division on
July 2 does not bode well for the newly inaugurated station's
"independence", either. According to media reports, eight
journalists were dismissed for not complying with the
station's mission objectives. President of TVes Lil
Rodriguez argued that the contract journalists would be
replaced with "independent" newscasters loyal to TVes.
7. (U) TVes' programming has also suffered from
technical-based problems that could hinder its ability to
build a loyal audience. TVes was initially issued exclusive
rights to broadcast the regional Copa America soccer
tournament, but its inability to transmit its signal
nationwide led the BRV to distribute the rights to a dozen
other networks. Venevision, for example, also aired the Copa
and offered viewers sharper image quality than TVes.
--------------
Venevision Feeling the Pressure
--------------
8. (SBU) Venevision, an independent network that has engaged
in self-censorship to avoid skirmishes with the BRV, has
recently become more critical of the government's attacks on
freedom of expression. In a July 11 press conference, the
President of Venevision Gustavo Cisneros argued that
Venevision complied with all of the requirements to renew its
concession, but was only granted a five-year broadcasting
license. The network requested, and believed it would be
granted, a 25-year concession. Venevision plans to appeal
the decision. According to media analysts, a five-year
license provides little incentive for Cisneros to invest more
in the station. Cisneros announced changes to its news
programming, saying the network would be more open to
opposition and pro-government opinions. He lamented the
polarized state of the media in Venezuela and called for a
"balanced" press.
--------------
"Noticiero Digital" Editor Threatened
--------------
9. (C) IO and PolOff met July 9 with the former editor of the
news website "Noticiero Digital" Roger Santodomingo to
discuss his decision to leave the "Noticierio," following
threats and the suspicious explosion of his vehicle. (Note:
"Noticiero" is an on-line forum critical of the BRV. Its
content is largely driven by readers' comments, a feature
that makes the site hard to control. End Note.) Santodomingo
has also been heavily criticized by "La Hojilla's" host Mario
Silva for his editorial tendency and his participation in a
USG International Visitor's (IV) program. Santodomingo
resigned after threatening phone calls, emails, and letters
made mention of his minor son's extra-curricular activities
and other private details. The journalist recently
petitioned the Human Rights Ombudsman's office to provide
police protection for his family, but the request has not
been approved.
10. (SBU) Santodomingo said his vehicle mysteriously caught
on fire July 4 outside of his residence. Security forces
have since ruled that the fire was an "accident" and
attributed the blast to an electrical wiring problem.
11. (C) Santodomingo plans to continue working as a
journalist in Venezuela and intends to press charges against
Silva for defamation. He was particularly concerned about
unfounded BRV allegations that IV participants are employees
of the USG. IO assured Santodomingo that Embassy officials
have denied these accusations in various forums.
Santodomingo will be participating as planned in a Voice of
America-sponsored training program in Bogota this month.
--------------
Journalists and Media Outlets Under Attack
--------------
12. (U) In recent weeks, opposition and pro-government
oriented journalists have come under attack:
-- National Assembly deputy Alfredo Muga called for an
investigation and the closure of the network Portugesa TV on
July 13. Muga referred to the station as a wing of the
"terrorist channel Globovision." He accused the network of
being involved in a campaign of misinformation against the
CARACAS 00001432 003.2 OF 003
government.
-- The Attorney General's office requested June 18 that the
weekly newspaper "La Razon" turn over the notes and documents
its journalist Luis Felipe Colina used to publish the column
"The Political Carrousel," which documents widespread
corruption among BRV officials. "La Razon" declined the
BRV's request citing the journalist's right to protect his
sources.
-- The government-funded regional news agency Telesur filed a
complaint with Peruvian authorities on June 13 after Elena
Rodriguez, a correspondent in Lima, received several
threatening messages. International media watch dog
Reporters without Borders condemned the threats that referred
to Rodriguez as a "Prostitute of Chavez" and called for the
"Death of Telesur."
--------------
Demonstrations Mostly Over
--------------
13. (SBU) The university student-led, pro-freedom of
expression demonstrations that took place during late May and
throughout June to protest RCTV's closure have all but
dissipated in the run-up to and during the summer recess.
The last major marches were held nationwide on June 27 to
mark the "Day of the Journalist" (ref B). Student leaders,
however, are organizing a weekend of pro-democracy
activities, including marches from July 20-22, to call
attention to soaring crime rates and violence.
--------------
Comment
--------------
14. (C) President Chavez continues to pay a domestic and
international price for his decision to close RCTV. RCTV's
management is doing its part to keep the network in the news.
RCTV's return, albeit through cable, is significant
considering widespread belief that the BRV attempted to
sabotage the deals. However, it is unlikely that the
government will reverse the decision to take RCTV off the
publicly available airwaves. For example, while Granier
continues to lobby for the network's return to public
airwaves, neither Chavez nor other high-ranking officials
consider that a topic for discussion. Similarly, Seniat's
collection efforts against RCTV appear to be part of a BRV
effort to diminish public support for the beleaguered network.
15. (C) Interestingly, Venevision is trying to regain
credibility with the Venezuelan public, mainly the audience
that used to watch RCTV. Regarding TVes, initial fears that
it would assume a hard-line pro-government position are
largely unfounded to date. In comparison to other
BRV-supported stations, TVes appears to be more
family-oriented and less polarized. Nevertheless, its myriad
of problems make it largely unappealing. Lastly, independent
media outlets and journalists continue to be victims of the
BRV's disdain for a free and independent press.
FRENCH
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
HQSOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD
DEPT PASS TO AID/OTI RPORTER
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/18/2017
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM SCUL VE
SUBJECT: PRESS FREEDOM UPDATE
REF: A. CARACAS 01054
B. CARACAS 01306
CARACAS 00001432 001.2 OF 003
Classified By: ACTING POLITICAL COUNSELOR DANIEL LAWTON
FOR REASON 1.4 (D)
1. (SBU) This press freedom update outlines new and sustained
efforts by the BRV to curtail freedom of expression in
Venezuela. After removing Radio Caracas Television (RCTV)
from public access television, the BRV has launched another
round of attacks in an effort to damage the network's
credibility. The government is taking similar actions
against several other media outlets. The opposition-oriented
press has responded by dismissing unsubstantiated BRV
allegations of efforts to destabilize Chavez. Journalists
have also organized sizable demonstrations in favor of
freedom of expression, such as the ones held to mark the "Day
of the Journalist." We expect President Chavez to continue
employing a variety of mechanisms - legal, economic,
judicial, and rhetorical - to harass the free press. Items
in this report include RCTV and TVes updates and ongoing
attacks on journalists and media outlets. End Summary.
--------------
RCTV Goes Cable
--------------
2. (U) Radio Caracas Television (RCTV) began transmitting on
July 16 some of its most popular entertainment and news
programs via local cable providers. RCTV President Marciel
Granier announced July 11 that the network has brokered deals
with DirecTV, Inter, Net Uno, SuperCable, and Planet Cable
after weeks of negotiations. Granier had previously alleged
that the BRV was harassing prospective cable television
providers into not signing agreements with RCTV. Granier
assured RCTV supporters that the network's management would
continue to challenge the BRV's decision to revoke its
broadcasting license.
3. (U) The move to cable has reportedly cost RCTV close to
USD 1 million due to expenses associated with the purchase of
additional technical equipment. (Note: On May 26, the
National Guard took physical control of RCTV's transmission
towers following a Supreme Court ruling, allowing the
telecommunications regulatory agency, CONATEL, to
"temporarily" transfer the rights of the equipment to TVes.
End Note.) RCTV resorted to transmitting some of its
programs through YouTube and its Colombian affiliate station
Caracol, following the BRV-imposed shutdown on May 28.
--------------
RCTV to Pay Hefty Fine
--------------
4. (SBU) The tax collection agency, Seniat, notified RCTV on
June 3 that it owed over USD 790,000 in back taxes,
corresponding to fiscal years 2003-2006. The network
acknowledged in a press release that it had received the
invoice and stated it was in the process of reviewing its
financial records. RCTV added that its accountants had
identified troubling discrepancies in Seniat's application of
the law. Seniat's notice came only two weeks after RCTV
reportedly paid CONATEL over USD 300,000 for interest
penalties dating back to 1999-2000. Prior to RCTV's closure,
Seniat authorities insinuated to the media that RCTV might
owe significant amounts in unpaid taxes but did not provide
details. CONATEL and Seniat's aggressive collection efforts
against RCTV are largely viewed part as the government's
sustained efforts to discredit the network.
--------------
TVes: Growing Pains
--------------
5. (SBU) The newest government-sponsored television station,
TVes, which replaced RCTV, has been plagued by a host of
problems, including copyright violations, technical
difficulties, and low ratings, since its inauguration. On
June 4, less than a week after TVes first aired, a
Miami-based production company, Wide Angle, sent a letter to
Venezuelan Ambassador Bernardo Alvarez informing him that
TVes was illegally broadcasting one of its products. Wide
Angle requested that TVes cease transmitting the travel
series "Destinations X" and that it remit payment for the
episodes already aired. In a June 6 press release, TVes
agreed to cease broadcasting the program. TVes claimed it
had acquired the rights to broadcast "Destinations X" through
CARACAS 00001432 002.2 OF 003
a local distributor.
6. (SBU) TVes' decision to fire its entire news division on
July 2 does not bode well for the newly inaugurated station's
"independence", either. According to media reports, eight
journalists were dismissed for not complying with the
station's mission objectives. President of TVes Lil
Rodriguez argued that the contract journalists would be
replaced with "independent" newscasters loyal to TVes.
7. (U) TVes' programming has also suffered from
technical-based problems that could hinder its ability to
build a loyal audience. TVes was initially issued exclusive
rights to broadcast the regional Copa America soccer
tournament, but its inability to transmit its signal
nationwide led the BRV to distribute the rights to a dozen
other networks. Venevision, for example, also aired the Copa
and offered viewers sharper image quality than TVes.
--------------
Venevision Feeling the Pressure
--------------
8. (SBU) Venevision, an independent network that has engaged
in self-censorship to avoid skirmishes with the BRV, has
recently become more critical of the government's attacks on
freedom of expression. In a July 11 press conference, the
President of Venevision Gustavo Cisneros argued that
Venevision complied with all of the requirements to renew its
concession, but was only granted a five-year broadcasting
license. The network requested, and believed it would be
granted, a 25-year concession. Venevision plans to appeal
the decision. According to media analysts, a five-year
license provides little incentive for Cisneros to invest more
in the station. Cisneros announced changes to its news
programming, saying the network would be more open to
opposition and pro-government opinions. He lamented the
polarized state of the media in Venezuela and called for a
"balanced" press.
--------------
"Noticiero Digital" Editor Threatened
--------------
9. (C) IO and PolOff met July 9 with the former editor of the
news website "Noticiero Digital" Roger Santodomingo to
discuss his decision to leave the "Noticierio," following
threats and the suspicious explosion of his vehicle. (Note:
"Noticiero" is an on-line forum critical of the BRV. Its
content is largely driven by readers' comments, a feature
that makes the site hard to control. End Note.) Santodomingo
has also been heavily criticized by "La Hojilla's" host Mario
Silva for his editorial tendency and his participation in a
USG International Visitor's (IV) program. Santodomingo
resigned after threatening phone calls, emails, and letters
made mention of his minor son's extra-curricular activities
and other private details. The journalist recently
petitioned the Human Rights Ombudsman's office to provide
police protection for his family, but the request has not
been approved.
10. (SBU) Santodomingo said his vehicle mysteriously caught
on fire July 4 outside of his residence. Security forces
have since ruled that the fire was an "accident" and
attributed the blast to an electrical wiring problem.
11. (C) Santodomingo plans to continue working as a
journalist in Venezuela and intends to press charges against
Silva for defamation. He was particularly concerned about
unfounded BRV allegations that IV participants are employees
of the USG. IO assured Santodomingo that Embassy officials
have denied these accusations in various forums.
Santodomingo will be participating as planned in a Voice of
America-sponsored training program in Bogota this month.
--------------
Journalists and Media Outlets Under Attack
--------------
12. (U) In recent weeks, opposition and pro-government
oriented journalists have come under attack:
-- National Assembly deputy Alfredo Muga called for an
investigation and the closure of the network Portugesa TV on
July 13. Muga referred to the station as a wing of the
"terrorist channel Globovision." He accused the network of
being involved in a campaign of misinformation against the
CARACAS 00001432 003.2 OF 003
government.
-- The Attorney General's office requested June 18 that the
weekly newspaper "La Razon" turn over the notes and documents
its journalist Luis Felipe Colina used to publish the column
"The Political Carrousel," which documents widespread
corruption among BRV officials. "La Razon" declined the
BRV's request citing the journalist's right to protect his
sources.
-- The government-funded regional news agency Telesur filed a
complaint with Peruvian authorities on June 13 after Elena
Rodriguez, a correspondent in Lima, received several
threatening messages. International media watch dog
Reporters without Borders condemned the threats that referred
to Rodriguez as a "Prostitute of Chavez" and called for the
"Death of Telesur."
--------------
Demonstrations Mostly Over
--------------
13. (SBU) The university student-led, pro-freedom of
expression demonstrations that took place during late May and
throughout June to protest RCTV's closure have all but
dissipated in the run-up to and during the summer recess.
The last major marches were held nationwide on June 27 to
mark the "Day of the Journalist" (ref B). Student leaders,
however, are organizing a weekend of pro-democracy
activities, including marches from July 20-22, to call
attention to soaring crime rates and violence.
--------------
Comment
--------------
14. (C) President Chavez continues to pay a domestic and
international price for his decision to close RCTV. RCTV's
management is doing its part to keep the network in the news.
RCTV's return, albeit through cable, is significant
considering widespread belief that the BRV attempted to
sabotage the deals. However, it is unlikely that the
government will reverse the decision to take RCTV off the
publicly available airwaves. For example, while Granier
continues to lobby for the network's return to public
airwaves, neither Chavez nor other high-ranking officials
consider that a topic for discussion. Similarly, Seniat's
collection efforts against RCTV appear to be part of a BRV
effort to diminish public support for the beleaguered network.
15. (C) Interestingly, Venevision is trying to regain
credibility with the Venezuelan public, mainly the audience
that used to watch RCTV. Regarding TVes, initial fears that
it would assume a hard-line pro-government position are
largely unfounded to date. In comparison to other
BRV-supported stations, TVes appears to be more
family-oriented and less polarized. Nevertheless, its myriad
of problems make it largely unappealing. Lastly, independent
media outlets and journalists continue to be victims of the
BRV's disdain for a free and independent press.
FRENCH