Radio Caracas Radio: how privately owned stations protect basic freedoms

No matter where in the world, media ownership affects the content released, and there is a general understanding that public/government owned media tends to be more censored, especially in illiberal democracies or authoritarian regimes, while privately owned media is usually less restrictive with their content, releasing controversial information or creating risqué entertainment.

These tendencies are just as true in Venezuela, and a prime example within the radio medium is Radio Caracas Radio (RCR). Owned by Empresas 1BC, a private Venezuelan media corporation, their first air date was in 1930 and they have a television counterpart, Radio Caracas Television, respectively.

Originally a radio station that had times dedicated to all subjects, it switched to a news exclusive station in 1992. It was because of this change in dedication to the news that Radio Caracas Radio became important in ensuring uncensored information was given to Venezuelan citizens.

When the Chavez regime began in 1998, Radio Caracas Radio became well known for their constant opposition to the unjust regime, constantly stating information or news that contradicted what government controlled media spread, calling out the corruption in the parliament and with the President, saying truths that the regime wanted to hide, such as rising poverty levels, disregard for human rights, and economic troubles.

Of course, this created lots of tension between the station and the government, as they became a platform that strengthened the Venezuelan opposition. When it came time for the government to renew their media licenses in 2007, the government decided to not renew their contracts, accusing them of instigating the failed coup to overthrow the regime in 2002. Thus, RCR was taken off the frequency on May 27, 2007, 11:59pm.

A violation on the freedoms of expression and speech, many citizens were deeply angered by the shut-down, with protests all over the country. Unfortunately, the government still refused to renew their contract, so soon after RCR simply streamed El Observador which is Radio Caracas Television's daily new cast.

Still an oppositional force, RCR's recent transmission on January 12, 2015 featured presidential candidate/opposition leader Henrique Capriles as he spoke on organizing their efforts to defeat the regime by mobilizing protests and working together against a common enemy.

Even after arduous obstacles, a private radio station's struggles are worth it, helping to band together to dismantle an oppressive government. 

SOURCES: http://www.lanacion.com.ve