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Alert

Three broadcast outlets back on air after being shut down by officials

(C-Libre/IFEX) - As a result of the repeal of a decree that suspended a number of constitutional guarantees, including the right to freedom of expression, the Radio Globo and Radio La Catracha radio stations as well as the Canal 36 television station have begun operating once again.

The three media outlets were silent for 22 days after the approval of a repressive decree and the seizure of their equipment by the National Police and the National Telecommunications Commission (Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicación, CONATEL) on 28 September.

The owner of Canal 36, Esdras Amado López, said that his media outlet is broadcasting with a minimal amount of equipment since the seized items have not been returned to the station.

Meanwhile, Marvin Ortiz, a Radio Globo employee, said that his radio station resumed its activities on 19 October, at 11:00 a.m. Radio Globo is in the same position as Canal 36 as its equipment has not been returned by the government.

Eduardo Maldonado, of the programme "Hable como Habla", said that his media outlet has very little equipment with which to operate, but that their broadcast strength is at full capacity and they are on air in the departments of Comayagua, Danlí, Choluteca and Francisco Morazán. He also said that they would soon begin broadcasting via satellite.