APT Advocates for Strengthening Public Broadcasting in New Audiovisual Legislation for the Canary Islands

The Association of Journalists of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (APT) has raised significant concerns regarding the forthcoming Audiovisual Sector Law in the Canary Islands. This comes amid escalating tensions between employees of RadioTelevisión Canaria (RTVC) and the regional government, highlighting the critical need for a robust public broadcasting framework.

APT underscores the necessity of preserving the public service mandate of RTVC as the new legislation is crafted. The organization is advocating for the expedited passage of this law, emphasizing that it is crucial for RTVC to continue its operations seamlessly. This continuity is essential for maintaining the quality and integrity of public broadcasting in the region.

In its statement, APT stresses that the new legislation must cultivate a media landscape that promotes plurality and actively protects against the precarization of employment—a pressing concern that has emerged within the journalism sector. The association believes that a well-structured legal framework is vital for ensuring job security and fostering a healthy environment for media professionals.

Furthermore, APT has called upon both the regional government and the Parliament of the Canary Islands to strictly adhere to established protocols that govern the operations of RTVC. The association insists that the public entity must be adequately resourced to provide high-quality programming and uphold the standards of rigorous journalism that the public expects and deserves.

With over twenty-six years of experience in the audiovisual sector, RTVC has been instrumental in shaping the media landscape of the Canary Islands. APT argues that the public broadcaster should continue to be a dependable source of information, as well as a platform that nurtures the professional development of individuals pursuing careers in media. This role is vital not only for the industry but also for the community at large.

Maintaining the public nature of RTVC is paramount, according to APT, as it ensures that the citizens of the Canary Islands regard the broadcaster as a communal asset. This perception is particularly crucial in safeguarding against personalistic influences or manipulations that could compromise the integrity of public media. Such integrity is essential for a functioning democracy, where the media serves as a watchdog and a source of unbiased information.

In light of these concerns, APT is urging stakeholders to prioritize the public service aspect of RTVC in the upcoming legislation. The association believes that a strong public broadcaster is not only beneficial for the media landscape but also for the democratic fabric of society. By ensuring that RTVC operates under a framework that prioritizes public interest, the Canary Islands can foster a media environment that is both diverse and resilient.

Moreover, APT’s advocacy highlights the broader implications of the Audiovisual Sector Law. The association is calling for a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the operational aspects of RTVC but also the overarching principles that govern media in the region. This includes ensuring that the law promotes transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within the media sector.

As the debate surrounding the Audiovisual Sector Law unfolds, APT remains committed to engaging with policymakers and stakeholders to ensure that the voices of journalists and media professionals are heard. The association is determined to play an active role in shaping a legislative framework that supports the growth and sustainability of public broadcasting in the Canary Islands.

Key points

• APT expresses concerns about the upcoming Audiovisual Sector Law in the Canary Islands.
• The association emphasizes the need to preserve the public service aspect of RTVC.
• APT advocates for the swift passage of the law to ensure uninterrupted operations of RTVC.
• The new legislation should promote media plurality and protect against employment precarization.
• APT calls for adherence to established protocols governing RTVC’s operations.
• RTVC has over twenty-six years of experience in the audiovisual sector, serving as a reliable information source.
• Maintaining the public nature of RTVC is crucial for community trust and democratic integrity.
• APT urges stakeholders to prioritize public service in the upcoming legislation.
• The association seeks a comprehensive approach that promotes transparency and inclusivity in media.
• APT is committed to engaging with policymakers to shape a supportive legislative framework.