Introduction to the New Telecommunications Law in Mexico
Mexico’s proposed telecommunications and broadcasting law, still in its draft form, aims to remove over a dozen international channels from the country due to their content types, including news, opinion programs, and entertainment productions. Most of these channels are publicly funded or backed by private investors from their respective countries.
Affected Channels
- Fox News: Known for its alignment with the Trump administration and criticism of the Mexican government.
- Telesur: Funded by the governments of Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua, with ideological ties to Mexico’s Fourth Transformation government.
- Deutsche Welle, NHK, BBC: Renowned international broadcasters facing transmission restrictions.
- RT News, CGTN en Español: Russian and Chinese channels available on Mexico’s open-air television, explicitly stating their government’s worldview.
Legal Implications and Private Investors’ Concerns
Article 210 of the proposed law, if not revised, would impose a fine equivalent to 5% of revenues and temporary blocking for digital platforms, including Netflix and YouTube, that fail to comply with the new regulations.
This legal framework would infringe on viewers’ and internet users’ right to information, affecting private investors’ interests. For instance, CGTN en Español and RT Noticias reach approximately 75 million Mexicans through Multimedios and Albavisión, two nationwide-almost television broadcasters.
Impact on Mexican Broadcasters
Multimedios and Albavisión, which carry CGTN en Español and RT Noticias, must evaluate their contracts to avoid financial penalties, even if it means losing revenue from early termination.
The new telecom law’s draft, in its content regulations section, prohibits Mexican broadcasters from transmitting political, ideological, or commercial propaganda from foreign governments or entities. Digital platforms offering content within Mexico’s territory cannot commercialize advertising space for foreign government information or propaganda.
Additional Concerns for Private Investors
- Megacable, Izzi Telecom, Totalplay: These cable providers offer packages including CNN, Al Jazeera, Euronews, Antena 3, Rai Italia, and TV5Monde, which could face similar restrictions.
Government’s Rationale
The Mexican government’s decision to draft these content regulations stems from concerns over an anti-immigration campaign disseminated by the US government on Mexican television. The current law allows for the expression of all opinions and ideas, but the new regulations aim to limit foreign government influence on Mexican airwaves.
