Costa Rica legislative bill proposes new spectrum fees for broadcasters

Costa Rica broadcast spectrum fee media freedom Bill 24.461 radio and television law

The Costa Rican Legislative Assembly is advancing Bill 24.461, a controversial reform to the 1954 Radio and Television Law. The bill proposes replacing current fixed annual fees with a progressive canon based on a station's annual gross income for the use of the radio spectrum.

Under the proposal, television broadcasters could face fees of up to 7.73% of their gross revenue, while radio stations would see rates between 1.51% and 3.13%. Broadcasters with annual incomes up to 130 base salaries would be exempt. The bill has passed its first debate with 48 votes in favor and 3 against.

The Inter-American Press Association (IAPA) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have issued warnings that the economic burden could threaten the viability of free-to-air media. They argue that such regulations could restrict freedom of expression and limit access to information for rural communities and low-income households. Teletica, a major broadcaster, has stated that the new fees could compromise its economic stability, noting that current fees are approximately ₡120,000 annually.

Entities

Claudia Dobles · Committee to Protect Journalists · Costa Rica · Costa Rica Legislative Assembly · Inter-American Press Association · Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica · Teletica

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The Inter-American Press Association (SIP) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) warn the bill threatens freedom of expression. www.centroamerica360.com · elmundo.cr · www.radiofree.org
[● 6 SOURCES] Bill 24.461 proposes a progressive fee for broadcasters using the radio spectrum. www.centroamerica360.com · elmundo.cr · www.radiofree.org · www.tcsahora.com · delfino.cr · +1 more
[● 5 SOURCES] The proposed fee could compromise the economic viability of Teletica's open television signal. www.centroamerica360.com · elmundo.cr · www.tcsahora.com · proceso.hn
[● 6 SOURCES] The maximum proposed fee for open television is 7.73% of annual gross income. www.centroamerica360.com · elmundo.cr · www.radiofree.org · www.tcsahora.com · delfino.cr · +1 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Broadcasters with annual incomes up to 130 base salaries would be exempt from the fee. delfino.cr
[● 2 SOURCES] Current television licensees pay ₡120,000 annually for frequency use. www.centroamerica360.com · proceso.hn