The International Association of Broadcasting (IAB) highlights the recent ruling by the Constitutional Chamber of Costa Rica’s Supreme Court of Justice that annulled the auction process for radio and television frequencies, finding the procedure unconstitutional for failing to ensure effective pluralism in broadcasting.

IAB underscores that the radio spectrum is a limited public resource whose management must guarantee the diversity of voices, informational pluralism, and the public’s right to receive free and diverse information.

Pluralism is an essential pillar of democracy. Therefore, allocation mechanisms for broadcast frequencies must respect not only economic criteria but also constitutional principles and international standards on freedom of expression.

IAB expresses its support for the National Chamber of Broadcasting of Costa Rica (CANARA) and reaffirms its commitment to defend the rule of law, freedom of expression and press in the Americas.

Montevideo, March 2, 2026.