Ecuador announces plans to take back radio, TV frequencies after similar measure in Venezuela

Correa: Ecuador to take over radio, TV stations

QUITO, Ecuador — Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa says “many” radio and TV frequencies will revert to state control due to what he’s calling irregularities.

The president has been at war with Ecuador’s news media since taking office in January 2007. He has called TV stations and newspapers corrupt and mediocre, and twice fined an opposition broadcaster.

Correa did not specify Monday what sort of abuses or irregularities broadcasters have committed. Nor did he name any alleged offenders.

The announcement coincides with regulators revoking or refusing the renew the licenses of 34 radio stations in Venezuela.

Correa and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez are staunch regional allies and share a similar left-leaning political ideology.