Guyanese government radio monopoly under threat

A decades old state radio monopoly in Guyana appears to be under threat following a ruling by the country\'s appeal court.



The government owns all of Guyana’s three national radio stations.



Two private companies have taken legal action on the ground of its objection to the state\'s hold on Guyana’s radio airwave.



In his judgment, Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh said the government’s monopoly violates Guyana\'s constitution on the grounds of the freedom of expression to receive and impart ideas and equality of treatment.



Last month, the Guyanese government renewed a 17-year-old promise to bring new broadcast legislation before parliament, which is intended to open the radio airwaves to private players.