G.O.B. cuts out money for radio stations

Details are still sketchy tonight but official reports are that starting next week radio stations in Belize City and the districts, will no longer be receiving what many have dubbed subventions, which translated into a monthly payment. Radio station personnel contacted by News 5 this evening were quick to defend receipt of the funds stating that the money was charged to the government for services rendered. While we were unable to determine the exact amount each station received, at least one Belize City media house told us they got approximately sixteen thousand dollars every month. According to government spokesman, Vaughan Gill, the decision was made following a request from the Belize Broadcasting Authority. According to Gill, the BBA maintains that in the interest of fair play, GOB should not have contracts with either radio or television stations. Gill says GOB also made the decision based on the fact that they are cutting back on expenses.