CHILEAN MEDIA VIGILANT ABOUT RCTV CLOSURE

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000859

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR R, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OPRC KIPR PGOV CI
SUBJECT: CHILEAN MEDIA VIGILANT ABOUT RCTV CLOSURE



1. SUMMARY: Chilean media coverage of the upcoming cancellation of
Radio Caracas TV's concession has increased noticeably in recent
weeks. While the GOC has not commented publicly on the RCTV issue,
newspaper editorials have argued against Chavez's undemocratic
actions and interference in the region. Given the level of public
attention, well read Chileans undoubtedly are aware of Chavez's
power play to control Venezuela's media. End Summary.


2. Influential newspaper-of-record "El Mercurio" has been at the
forefront in Chile reporting on developments in Venezuela and
Chavez's plans to close RCTV. On May 20, the newspaper ran a
seven-page compendium from Latin American dailies that form the
"Groupo de Diarios America (GDA)." Titled "The Chavez Phenomenon,"
the report marked the beginning of regular reporting on Chavez'
activities in other countries. Highlighted activities included:

-- "The signing of eight cooperation agreements last year, ranging
from defense to education, the purchase of Bolivia's treasury bonds,
the installation of 100 radio stations in rural communities, and
5,000 scholarships to study in Caracas or Havana, are just some
examples of the assistance that Venezuela has provided Bolivia, the
country where Chavez is exerting the largest degree of influence.

-- "Venezuela will donate over US$2 million to Bolivia in sports
implementation, ranging from exercise machines to soccer balls. Due
to the lack of electricity in rural areas, Chavez also donated 2,000
solar panels to help eliminate illiteracy in 1,800 rural
communities.

-- "In Peru, Chavez has forged an alliance with regional authorities
by providing medical assistance, support for small businesses, and
scholarships to study in Caracas or Havana.

-- "The association between the Venezuelan and Brazilian state oil
companies, the array of agreements and growing trade between the two
countries make the Lula-Chavez dispute over regional leadership
unimportant. The fact is that Chavez has become a key investor for
President Lula.

-- "Political analyst Gonzalo Meza says Chile is of strategic
interest for Venezuela, because it is a valid interlocutor with
Pacific axis countries -- Peru, Colombia, and Mexico -- and the
Atlantic alliance formed by Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. He adds
that many in Chile do not follow the liberal model promoted by the
Lagos and Bachelet administrations or the one promoted by the Cuban
Revolution, and therefore look at the Venezuelan process with
interest.


3. A May 23 editorial in "El Mercurio", "Chavez in Latin America,"
commented on the GDA articles, confirming Chavez' interference in
other countries:

The "Grupo de Diarios America is exploring ... Chavez' penetration
in Latin America. From the abundant information gathered we can see
evidence of the so called 'social diplomacy'... which consists in
penetrating a country's social structure by-passing the
government.... The 'Chavistas'... advance by providing material aid
to the poor ... offering low-income groups scholarships, health, and
education assistance as a means to teach Venezuelan and Cuban
political ideology.... The 'Bolivarian leader' is not only set on
establishing in his country the 21st Socialist Revolution, he also
wants to export it to the continent, as is evident in Bolivia and
Ecuador. None of this is unimportant for Chile and our authorities
would do well in weighting it very carefully."


4. On May 24, "El Mercurio" published an op-ed by Radio Caracas TV
Executive Director Marcel Granier entitled, "Letter to Hugo Chavez."
He stated, "The message is clear, Chavez' influence in the region
is growing at a fast pace regardless of the official relations he
might have with governments, and the Chilean administration must
take note of it."


5. Government-owned, editorially independent, "La Nacion," on April
25 highlighted that OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza
criticized Venezuela by stating that while Latin America is
gradually and consistently progressing on freedom of expression,
recent judicial decisions to silence and threaten mass communication
media are a concern.


6. El Mercurio reported on May 10 that the Inter-American Human
Rights Commission (CIDH) is closely watching developments concerning
the closure of RCTV.


7. "El Mercurio's correspondent in Caracas on April 29 in an

article entitled, "RCTV's Struggle," quoted RCTV journalists: "It is
difficult to explain the environment at the station, because as
support for RCTV has grown in the country, the President personally
attacks the station and those who support us," stated Miguel Angel
Rodriguez. "This is psychological terror," he added.

KELLY