CNTV Eyes Trade Agreements with RT Channel: Telecanal Request

SANTIAGO, June 20, 2025

Chilean Broadcasters Face Scrutiny Over RT Channel

Chile’s National Television Council is investigating Telecanal’s decision to broadcast teh RT channel, formerly known as Russia Today.

• the CNTV is requesting a detailed report from Telecanal regarding agreements with RT.
• The Council is also seeking background facts from the Subsecretariat of Telecommunications.
• The Russian ambassador in Chile sees the channel’s arrival as positive, providing new information.

The National television Council (CNTV) is scrutinizing Telecanal’s decision to air the Spanish signal of the RT channel. As a result, the Executive Director, Rodrigo Álvarez, will be asked for a “Complete, documented and detailed report on the possible trade agreements concluded with the RT channel,” to understand the financial relationship between the two entities. The CNTV is looking into the matter and its impact on Chile’s media landscape.

This measure was taken last Wednesday, June 18 during an extraordinary session, where Álvarez was summoned to appear. At the same session, the CNTV also sent a trade to the Subsecretariat of Telecommunications (Subtel), requesting “Background on the current state of the corresponding concession.”

Did you know?-RT,formerly known as Russia Today,is a Russian state-controlled international television network. It broadcasts news, current affairs, and documentaries. RT has faced accusations of spreading disinformation and propaganda.

The CNTV acknowledges that broadcasting foreign content is not forbidden. However, the channel must maintain editorial obligation and adhere to Chilean law.

The CNTV stated that the transmission of content from a government at war, like Russia, “You can open legitimate debates about the shelter of pluralism and democracy”. The Council has been supervising transmissions to ensure compliance with the principle of correct operation.

Reader question:-how should regulatory bodies balance freedom of expression with concerns about perhaps biased or misleading information from foreign news outlets? What are the best practices for ensuring a fair and balanced media landscape?

Nine citizen complaints have been received so far, “Without prejudice to the work of ex officio that our teams carry out.” The CNTV emphasizes that it does not approve or authorize content in advance. Control mechanisms operate “After the issuance of the programs,” protecting “Freedom of expression.”

The Council says that as CNTV they are the “organ in charge of Grant them, renew or modify them in accordance with the provisions of its Organic law”.

Ambassador’s Perspective

Vladimir G. Belinsky,the Ambassador of Russia in Chile,expressed that he heard “Like many Chileans” of the start of RT transmissions.

What does the russian ambassador think about the RT channel’s launch in Chile? the ambassador believes the arrival of RT has been well-received, emphasizing the positive impact of accessing new information.

“I am sure that the balance is positive because it is new information,” Belinsky stated. He added that he was surprised to see Russia Today on the screen. The ambassador noted that many Chileans had previously asked him how to get information about Russia.

“I see the different comments but I am sure The balance is positive because it is new information,” the ambassador said. He highlighted the news, documentaries, objective information and analysis from journalists and statesmen that are present on the channel.

The Role of RT in Chile: A Deeper Dive

As the dust settles on RT’s debut in Chile, the focus now shifts to its potential impact on the media landscape and the public. The CNTV’s inquiry, sparked by concerns about the broadcaster’s editorial stance, underscores the complex challenges of balancing freedom of expression with the need for factual reporting [[1]].This section will explore the potential ramifications of RT in Chile, considering the perspectives of various stakeholders and providing insights into the broader implications for media pluralism.

the arrival of RT, a network funded by the Russian government, raises several questions regarding how it might affect the information habitat in Chile.The ambassador states that the arrival of RT has been well-received and that it provides new information. However, critics fear RT could serve as a platform for disinformation, echoing concerns raised about the channel’s operations elsewhere.

Potential Impacts of RT’s Presence:

• Increased Media Pluralism: The addition of RT potentially offers Chilean viewers access to a different viewpoint on global issues. The channel could present alternative narratives and challenge the dominant perspectives of conventional media.
• Risk of Disinformation: RT has previously been accused of disseminating propaganda and biased reporting. Its presence in Chile could increase the spread of misinformation and potentially influence public opinion on critical issues [[2]].
• Editorial Standards and Regulatory Scrutiny: The CNTV’s role in monitoring RT’s broadcasts is crucial. Regulatory bodies face the challenge of ensuring that RT adheres to Chilean laws and editorial obligations.This could involve careful monitoring of content and public responses to broadcasts.
• Public Perception and Media literacy: The arrival of RT presents an opportunity to enhance media literacy among the Chilean public. Being aware of the source and potential biases is essential for audiences to critically evaluate the information presented.

How is RT’s content being received by the public? Citizen complaints have already been submitted, highlighting the need for vigilance and assessment by the CNTV.

What is the role of the CNTV? The CNTV is responsible for overseeing broadcast content, ensuring adherence to Chilean law, and protecting freedom of expression. It can issue warnings, fines, or even revoke licenses if broadcasters violate regulations.

Navigating the Challenges:

To protect media integrity and maintain a well-informed public, it is vital to implement strategies.

• Robust Regulatory Oversight: Maintaining strict adherence to Chilean broadcasting laws. This includes monitoring and enforcing editorial standards.
• Media Literacy Initiatives: Empowering the public with the skills to critically assess information and recognize potential biases. Schools, community organizations, and media outlets can play a part.
• Transparency and Public Awareness: Keeping the public informed about the CNTV’s actions and any issues. Open discussions ensure all viewpoints are heard.

The evolving situation in Chile stresses a balance between fostering a diverse media landscape and protecting against potential harms. It highlights the significance of ensuring media pluralism and fostering critical consumption. This is essential for navigating the complex information ecosystem.