Petro denounces attempted censorship after the CRC requests the mass media

He President Gustavo Petro spoke publicly about the letter sent by the Communications Regulatory Commission (CRC) to various media outlets, in which they are asked to provide information related to their editorial boards. This request has generated controversy, as some sectors interpret it as an action that could affect journalistic autonomy..

In the letter, the CRC demanded that the media report “What are the internal policies, guidelines or practices that the medium applies to guarantee that the information disseminated in journalistic and news spaces meets (…) criteria” such as avoiding bias or favoritism towards people, parties or political sectors.

(Besides: CRC will adjust procedures after Council ruling on presidential addresses).

It also asks them to detail “How the informative and news content that is broadcast is chosen“, including the selection criteria, sources and approaches; and requested to present the documentary support of the meetings, committees or editorial boards that make these decisions.

Additionally, the CRC asked the media to describe the measures they use to differentiate between information, opinion and advertising, in accordance with Law 680 of 2001. The letter warns that non-compliance could result in “administrative measures in accordance with the provisions of the law”.

‘Censorship’

Faced with the controversy, Petro used his account on the social networkall press that uses the electromagnetic spectrum“, adding that said entity would have rejected the delegate he appointed “constitutionally“.

(Continue reading: CRC asks television channels to explain their editorial policies).

What is CRC?

The Communications Regulatory Commission (CRC) It is the entity in charge of supervising, regulating and guaranteeing the proper functioning of communications services in the country. This includes landline and mobile telephony, the internet, television, radio and, in general, any service that uses the electromagnetic spectrum.

Its main job consists of ensure that all citizens can access quality services, promote competition between operators and protect the rights of users against the companies that provide these services. In this way, the entity acts as a bridge between the interests of the State, consumers and communication providers.

In addition to its technical role, the CRC has the responsibility of Ensure compliance with the rules that regulate the content and practices of the media when they use public concessions, such as radio and television.

(You can read: They set limits on President Petro’s speeches, after a ruling by the Council of State).

Communications Regulatory Commission

Communications Regulatory Commission

In this sense, the entity seeks that broadcasters and channels respect the principles established in the law, including the veracity of the information, the separation between editorial content and advertising, and compliance with schedules and audience classifications. With this, the Commission aims to balance freedom of expression with the social responsibility involved in the management of information in public spaces.

On the other hand, the CRC It is also responsible for promoting free competition in the sector and preventing conduct that could generate monopolies or abusive practices.. To achieve this, the entity can intervene when it identifies that a company dominates the market or imposes unfair conditions on users.

Likewise, it is empowered to issue resolutions, impose sanctions and regulate aspects such as rates, quality of service or equitable access to networks. All of this is intended to maintain a transparent and fair environment, in which both companies and consumers benefit from clear rules.

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