The press, Television, Radio
The Ecuadoran constitution provides for freedom of speech, and journalists are able to report without hindrance.

However, some self-censorship, especially regarding politically-sensitive issues and stories about the armed forces, is exercised. Also, defamation is a criminal offence punishable by up to three years in prison. Thus the media are generally non-confrontational and measured in tone.

Under a law which requires the media to give the government free space or air time, the government can and has required TV and radio to broadcast government-produced programmes featuring the president and other top officials.

The press
El Comercio - daily
Hoy - daily
El Tiempo - daily
La Hora - daily, regional editions
El Telegrafo - daily
El Universo - Guayaquil-based daily

Television
TC Television - national, commercial
Ecuavisa - commercial
Gamavision - Quito-based
Teleamazonas - commercial
ETV Telerama - commercial

Radio
Cadena Radial Ecuatoriana [CRE] - Guayaquil-based commercial network
Radio Centro - private
Radio Nacional del Ecuador - government-owned
Radio Sucre - national mediumwave [AM] news and information network
HCJB, Voice of the Andes - evangelical

|Article contributed by BBC.COM|||

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