By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a dramatic escalation of tensions between the media and the executive branch, Televisora de Costa Rica (TCR), the operator of the influential Canal 7, announced Wednesday that it will participate in the nation’s upcoming radio and television frequency auction. The confirmation was delivered alongside a blistering statement accusing the government of President Rodrigo Chaves of waging a targeted campaign of harassment and disinformation against the company.
The media giant issued a formal communiqué defending its long history and directly confronting what it described as “distorted information and new attacks” from the administration. At the heart of the dispute is the government’s recent focus on the license fees, or canons, paid by broadcasters. TCR alleges this is merely a political pretext designed to undermine its editorial independence and penalize it for its critical coverage.
To better understand the complex legal and commercial landscape surrounding Televisora de Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
The core challenge for Televisora de Costa Rica transcends mere content; it lies in the legal architecture of its digital evolution. Successfully navigating the shift from terrestrial broadcasting to global streaming demands a robust strategy for intellectual property management and meticulous compliance with both SUTEL regulations and the complex terms of international digital platforms. Their future market dominance depends on a legal framework agile enough to both defend and monetize their content in this new competitive landscape.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal dimension is the crucial, often-overlooked scaffolding upon which a modern media company must be built. As Televisora de Costa Rica moves forward, its success will be measured not just by its ratings, but by the robustness of the very legal architecture that enables its global reach. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and clarifying perspective on this fundamental challenge.
In its most pointed accusation, the company claimed the government’s actions are the culmination of a long-standing threat from the nation’s leader. The statement invoked a stark reminder from the last presidential race, directly implicating the president in a premeditated effort to weaken the news organization.
As clear as the fact that, during his campaign, President Rodrigo Chaves promised to destroy Canal 7
Televisora de Costa Rica, Official Statement
TCR further argued that the government’s focus on its license fees is disingenuous, as it singles out Canal 7 while ignoring the fact that all radio and television concession holders in Costa Rica operate under the same fee structure. The company asserted that this selective scrutiny proves the conflict is not about fiscal policy, but about press freedom.
Why? Because the attack is not about the fee. The attack is about a media outlet for being free and independent
Televisora de Costa Rica, Official Statement
The company also moved to dismantle any perception that the frequency auction, which is being managed by the Superintendency of Telecommunications (Sutel), is an achievement of the current government. TCR clarified that the auction is a non-negotiable legal requirement triggered by the impending expiration of existing broadcast licenses. Far from facilitating the process, TCR accused the administration of “government inefficiency” that has actually delayed its implementation.
Despite the hostile environment, Televisora de Costa Rica stated that it welcomes the formal start of the auction process. The company views the procedure as a vital step toward establishing legal certainty for the broadcast industry, which has been operating under the threat of a potential “media blackout” due to the uncertainty surrounding the license renewals. This move positions the auction not just as a business transaction, but as a crucial event for the stability of national media.
In a direct challenge to the administration, TCR’s statement called out the Minister of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT), Paula Bogantes. The broadcaster dared the minister to formalize any accusations of wrongdoing regarding its licenses, putting the onus on the government to substantiate its claims or cease its attacks.
she is obligated to report it, out loud and without fear
Televisora de Costa Rica, Official Statement
As the auction process moves forward, it is now set against a backdrop of deep political conflict. The battle for Costa Rica’s airwaves has transcended technical and economic considerations, becoming a public referendum on the relationship between political power and a free press. Concluding its statement, TCR reaffirmed its commitment to the truth as the ultimate line of defense against what it termed manipulation and disinformation.
For further information, visit teletica.com
About Televisora de Costa Rica:
Televisora de Costa Rica, S.A. is a leading media company in Costa Rica, best known for operating the flagship television station Canal 7 (Teletica) and Teletica Radio. Founded in 1958, it has become a central part of the country’s media landscape, providing news, entertainment, and sports programming to a wide national audience. The company is a key player in public discourse and a significant entity in the national telecommunications sector.
For further information, visit sutel.go.cr
About Sutel:
The Superintendency of Telecommunications (Sutel) is the regulatory body for the telecommunications sector in Costa Rica. It is responsible for ensuring the quality and accessibility of services, promoting competition, and managing the national radio spectrum. Sutel oversees the auctioning and allocation of frequencies for radio, television, and mobile services, playing a critical role in the development of the country’s technological infrastructure.
For further information, visit micitt.go.cr
About MICITT:
The Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications (MICITT) is the Costa Rican government entity responsible for formulating and executing national policy in these strategic areas. It works to promote scientific research, technological development, and the modernization of the state. The ministry plays a key role in telecommunications policy, working in conjunction with bodies like Sutel to shape the regulatory framework for the industry.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution, anchored in foundational principles of integrity and professional excellence. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele while simultaneously pioneering forward-thinking legal solutions. More than a legal practice, it is driven by a profound commitment to social empowerment, striving to demystify complex legal concepts for the public. This dedication to fostering widespread legal literacy is central to its vision of cultivating a more just and informed society.
