Belize's Untold Stories: Unveiling The Country's Rich Narrative

Belize's media landscape includes a mix of newspapers, radio, and television outlets, with no daily newspapers and some weeklies being subsidised by political parties. The country compares favourably for media freedom in the region, with US-based Freedom House classifying the media as Free. However, there have been concerns raised about new legislation criminalising the publication of documents related to police investigations.

Belize's media covers a range of topics, from sports and entertainment to politics and community development. Online media sources such as Breaking Belize News and 7 News Belize provide a mix of local and international news, while outlets like Channel 5, Channel 7, and Love FM offer television and radio broadcasts.

The country's media also reflects the diverse cultural influences in Belize, with publications like The San Pedro Sun and Ambergris Today focusing on specific regions or interests.

Belize's media freedom

Belize's constitution guarantees freedom of the press, though it includes exceptions for interests such as national security, public order, and morality. While reporting covers a wide range of viewpoints in practice, journalists sometimes face threats, physical harassment, or assault in the course of their work.

The media in Belize is highly polarised, making the coverage of political news or criminal cases controversial. When covering news, some journalists generally show their allegiance to one of the two major political parties. The main non-partisan newspapers are Amandala and The Reporter. Channel 5 and Channel 7 are the two most-watched television networks.

Belize's press freedom index was 81.46 in 2015, but it plummeted to 70.49 in 2023. Despite this, the country was among the top 10 countries with the best press freedom indexes in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2022.

Overly critical journalists and media houses face state censorship by way of intimidation with threats of costly and lengthy defamation lawsuits. There are also concerns about the transparency of the Belizean government, with media professionals feeling that there is a certain lack of transparency, even though technology has facilitated transmission.

Belize's media outlets

Belize has several newspapers, including The Belize Times, The Reporter (the second-largest circulated newspaper in the country), Amandala (a bi-weekly publication), and The San Pedro Sun, which is published weekly on the island of Ambergris Caye. There are no daily newspapers in Belize, and some weeklies are subsidised by political parties, leading to biased reporting.

The two most-watched television networks in Belize are Channel 5 and Channel 7. Radio is also a popular medium, with stations such as Love FM, Krem FM, and Wave Radio, which is affiliated with the United Democratic Party.

Belize also has a significant online presence, with 74% of the population using the internet as of July 2022. Facebook is the leading social media platform in the country.

Belize's media laws

Belize's constitution does not include a freedom of the press act, but it does protect freedom of expression, which permits the communication of ideas and information without interference. However, provisions are made to protect the lives and rights of those involved with legal proceedings.

In 2024, the Belizean government approved the submission of legislation that seeks to criminalize the publication of videos, photos, or statements that are part of an ongoing investigation. The government claims that this legislation aims to protect the lives of witnesses and avoid compromising ongoing investigations.

The announcement of this legislation raised concerns among members of the media, who use these videos to tell the stories that the public has the right to hear and see. They argue that it is something that must be carefully examined before it is approved, as it could have a chilling effect on the freedom of the press.

Belizean law provides for freedom of expression, including for members of the press and other media, and the government generally respects this right. The press is largely independent of government influence, although most radio stations, television stations, and newspapers have strong editorial ties to either the United Democratic Party (UDP) or the governing People's United Party. The press is often critical of government officials, with few signs of repercussions.

In 2022, the government replaced the Libel and Defamation Act with the Defamation Act, which media organizations opposed as they were not consulted in the process. They argued that the intended legislation would directly affect the way they gather, compile, and present news articles. According to Attorney General Magali Marin, the law was "not a revolutionary piece of legislation, but legislation that is simply modernizing the law of defamation."

Belize's media personalities

Belize's media landscape is diverse, with radio, TV, newspapers, and online platforms all playing a role in disseminating information to the public. While there are no daily newspapers, several weekly publications are available, including "The Reporter", "Amandala", "The Belize Times", and "The San Pedro Sun". The country's TV channels include Channel 5, Channel 7, and Channel 15, while popular radio stations include Love FM, Krem FM, and Wave Radio.

Some notable media personalities in Belize include:

• Frankie Rhys, an Amandala columnist who protested the sale of Great Belize Productions to Belize Telemedia, which is allegedly majority-owned by Lord Michael Ashcroft.
• Evan Mose Hyde, a radio personality on KREM who frequently refers to Channel 5 as "Ashcroft TV" as a form of protest against the sale.
• Harry Lawrence, the founder and publisher of "The Reporter", one of the chief newspapers in Belize. He has authored every issue since its establishment in 1967.
• Dyon A. Elliott, the editor of "The Reporter".
• William Ysaguirre, a freelance writer for "The Reporter".
• Anne Marie Williams, a veteran media personality and news editor who joined "The Reporter" in the 1990s.
• Britney Gordon, a reporter for News Five who explores topics such as freedom of the press and the role of media in society.
• Jules Vasquez, News Director at Tropical Belize Productions, who expressed concerns about proposed legislation that could potentially hinder the freedom of the press.
• Isani Cayetano, News Director at Channel 5, who shared similar concerns about the potential impact of the legislation on media operations.
• Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police, who has worked closely with the media to address issues such as child abuse and advocated for the protection of witnesses and the integrity of investigations.
• Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs, who introduced legislation to criminalize the unauthorized publication of sensitive materials related to ongoing criminal investigations.

These individuals and their respective platforms contribute to the vibrant and dynamic media landscape in Belize, playing a crucial role in informing and engaging the Belizean public.

Belize's media consumption

Television and radio remain important sources of information and entertainment for many Belizeans. There are several local television stations and radio networks that provide news, current affairs, and cultural programming. Additionally, cable and satellite services offer access to international channels, making it easier for people to stay connected with the world.

Print media in Belize includes newspapers and magazines, with both English and Spanish publications catering to the country's bilingual population. The country has a rich history of print journalism, dating back to the 19th century.

However, in recent years, online media consumption has been on the rise. As of 2021, nearly 62% of Belize's population accessed the internet, up from 28.2% in 2010. This increase in internet penetration has led to a growing number of people turning to online sources for news and information. Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, are also widely used in Belize, providing a space for discussion and the sharing of information.

While Belize's media landscape offers a range of options, there have been concerns about media freedom and transparency. In recent years, the country has seen attempts to suppress criticism and control the flow of information, with the government proposing amendments to criminalize the unauthorized publication of certain materials. Despite these challenges, Belize's media environment remains vibrant and diverse, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and commitment to freedom of speech.

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