Canal Uno responds to government review of shareholder change in its concession

The ICT Ministry is evaluating potential legal implications following the change in the shareholding structure of Plural Comunicaciones, the operator of Canal Uno.

The Colombian Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MinTIC) has initiated a legal review of the concession granted to Canal Uno, operated by Plural Comunicaciones SAS, due to recent changes in its shareholding structure.

The Ministry of Information and Communications (MINTIC) has hired an administrative law expert to assess whether changes in Plural Comunicaciones's shareholding structure affect the technical, legal, and financial requirements established in the Channel 1 concession contract.

The analysis seeks to determine whether a declaration of expiration of the concession is appropriate , the result of which would be known on June 21, 2025.

This measure falls within the State's authority to oversee compliance with the conditions under which concessions for the use of the radio spectrum are granted, ensuring informational diversity and respect for the Constitution.

Canal Uno's legal representatives have expressed concern about the review initiated by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MINTIC).

They point out that the measure could be interpreted as an attempt at state intervention in a private media outlet , which would jeopardize press freedom and the legal security of companies in Colombia.

Furthermore, they emphasize that the changes in Plural Comunicaciones' shareholding structure have been made in accordance with current regulations and have been duly reported to the competent authorities. Therefore, they consider there are no legal grounds for a potential expiration of the concession.

Plural Comunicaciones SAS has operated Canal Uno since 2017, after obtaining the concession through a bidding process. The company is comprised of several partners, including Hemisphere Media Group, which initially held 40 percent of the shares . Recent changes in the shareholding structure have prompted a review by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MINI).

The review of the Canal Uno concession has sparked a debate about the balance between state oversight and media independence.

Journalism organizations and press freedom advocates have expressed concern about possible interference in the operation of private media outlets, which could affect the country's information diversity.

The outcome of the legal analysis commissioned by the Ministry of Information and Communications will be decisive for the future of Channel One and could set a precedent in the relationship between the State and the media in Colombia.