Ecuador to nationalize radio, TV stations

The Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa seeks to take control of the country’s radio and television stations in a bid to stave off ‘irregularities.’

The South American president publicized his decision on Monday due to the ‘corruption and mediocrity’ of ‘many’ Ecuadorian news outlets.

However, the leftwing president has not indicated the nature of the ‘irregularities’ within Ecuador’s broadcasting community.

Correa’s decision comes two days after a similar measure was introduced in Venezuela, where the government ordered the closure of 34 radio stations, in the latest bid to rein in the country’s media.

The Ecuadorian President has twice penalized opposition media since taking office in 2007.