Cablegate: Voa Delegation Strengthens Relations in Colombia

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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BOGOTA 003390

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OPRC PREL SNAR PGOV CO
SUBJECT: VOA Delegation Strengthens Relations in Colombia

1. (U) SUMMARY: In a visit to Colombia March 15-16,
Broadcast Board Governor (BBG) Blanquita Cullum, Voice of
America (VOA) Director David Jackson, and VOA Director for
Latin America Richard Araujo met with leading Colombian
broadcast journalists and news directors to discuss VOA
programming and possible partnerships with Colombian
broadcasters. The directors of RCN and Caracol, the two
largest radio and television networks, expressed their
desire to work closely with VOA, lauding the institution's
international presence and range of programming. RCN-TV
representatives hope to establish a strategic alliance to
carry VOA programming in Colombia. The VOA delegation also
visited La Sabana University, one of the leading journalism
schools in the country, to speak to faculty and students
about VOA activities and the key role journalists play in a
democracy. University officials offered to work with VOA in
establishing a student exchange program. END SUMMARY

Radio Networks

2. (U) On March 15, the Delegation met John Camacho, Radio
Caracol's Production Manager. (NOTE: Acquired recently by
the Spanish consortium Prisa, Radio Caracol has over 107
radio stations and 60 rural affiliates with over one million
listeners, placing second in market share. END NOTE).
Camacho noted that Caracol Radio has a 25-year relationship
with VOA, which he would like to continue and expand. He
also inquired about the possibility of using VOA stories
during its newscasts, as well as calling on VOA
correspondents to cover events of interest. Camacho
underscored that topics related to Colombians living in the
United States resonate well with domestic audiences, and
noted that his stations would gladly broadcast exclusive
news, sport, or cultural programs. VOA director for Latin
America Richard Araujo provided a comprehensive review of
VOA programming and encouraged Camacho to visit the VOA
webpage.

3. (U) At the visit to RCN-Radio, the leading national radio
network with 127 stations in 76 cities and towns, the
network's president Fernando Molina remarked that the
network carries live and recorded VOA news segments
throughout the day. He expressed an interest in receiving
additional news segments covering Latin America,
particularly about Colombians living overseas, and
additional arts and cultural programming. To maximize its
presence in Latin America, Molina recommended that VOA join
Noticiero Solar - the only region wide live newscast
broadcasted in seven countries (through eight radio
stations). Molina offered to work with VOA to develop
programs targeting younger audiences through its youth-
focused stations.

Television Networks

4. (U) National Television commissioners informed the
delegation of their regulatory role and promotion of
educational programming. They expressed strong interest in
establishing co-educational productions, particularly in the
arts and education. The commissioners inquired about the
possibility of equipment transfers/donations to upgrade
Colombia's public television network's equipment. On a
regional note, they expressed concerns over President
Chavez's broadcast ambitions - notably the launch of Telesur
Satellite Network, and the installation of powerful
transmission towers along the Colombia-Venezuela border.
One of the commissioners informed the delegation that
Venezuela's National Television channel was using the same
frequency and was broadcasting over the signal of the
Colombian-TV station that handles VOA programming in Norte
Santander. (NOTE: PAS contacted the television station in
question, and learned that it has subsequently switched
frequencies. Regarding VOA programming, the station's
General Manager explained that it mostly broadcasts science
shows from the 1980s. END NOTE).

5. (U) At Caracol Television, the top market-share network,
directors informed the delegation of their desire to expand
regionally through their international channel and said they
viewed a possible relationship with VOA as a key part of
this expansion. The Vice-President of Operations observed
that participation in Foro Interamericano interviews, and in
similar political programs, was appealing to the network.
They expressed a keen interest in showing VOA's English
Teaching Program exclusively in Colombia.

6. (U) RCN Television's news director proposed a memorandum
of understanding to work with VOA on a number of issues
including not only news segments, but also educational and
cultural programs, and even involvement in documentary
production. As a possible documentary topic, RCN recommended
producing a first-hand account of life as a journalist in
Colombia, focusing on the threats and danger the media
regularly confronts. Araujo indicated that VOA would explore
the proposal and work on developing a formal work
arrangement for exchanges.

7. (U) The delegation concluded its two-day visit to
Colombia with a visit to La Sabana University to meet with
the Director and faculty of the School of Journalism, talk
with students, and observe the facilities. The Journalism
School Director proposed establishing semester- long
internship programs. Governor Cullum and Director Jackson
addressed over 50 journalism students to underscore the
significant role that journalists play in society. Governor
Cullum praised Colombian journalists for their relentless
pursuit of the truth, even when faced with dangerous
situations. Finally, the delegation toured the state-of-art
print and broadcast facilities journalism La Sabana students
have at their disposal.

8. (U)COMMENT: The BBG visit served to reinforce VOA's
relationship with key Colombian broadcasters. The visit also
marked the first time a VOA Director has visited Colombia.
VOA programming is broadcast from more than 75 radio
stations and on 9 regional television networks in Colombia,
reaching 4.1 million viewers. However, there is room for
even more growth as Colombia has one of the largest
community television networks in Latin America. The Mission
believes that VOA has ample room to continue expansion in
Colombia, and encourages the news service to produce
additional Spanish-language programming that local networks
can incorporate into their daily television programming.
END COMMENT.

WOOD

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