Chile: national and folk music to be promoted

The Chilean House of Representatives (Camara de Diputados) approved the Bulletin 5491 fixing minimum percentage of national and folk music to be playable in Chilean Radio broadcast. The requirement by radio broadcasters is to include national musical or any other expression consisting on composers, artists, or indigenous creators.

The text indicates that national radio stations ought to broadcast in their daily schedule at least one fifth (20%) of national music. This is measured by total songs issued on the day and play during the transmission of each station. More than half of the national and folks songs must not be accumulated and be played at night time i.e. from 22:00 to 6:00.

Radios that do not comply with the percentage shall be punished by a fine of five to fifty UTM (monthly tax unit). In the case of a repeat offence, the UTM would double.

The next step:
The bulletin will pass to the Senate and then promulgated by the Chilean President.
According to Claudio Arriagada (MP), “this law and its enactment will ensure a very important right for artists.” This is echo by Roberto Poblete (MP), however, he acknowledged that the “percentage is still very little”.

Promoting this type of positive action may encourage under represented national and folk music. And even though it is believed that the percentage is low the measure is welcome by many. The bulletin was ratified by 63 votes in favour, 10 against, and 5 abstentions.

Source Camara de Diputados de Chile.