Government of the Azores filed for temporary injunction at the Administrative and Fiscal Court of Ponta Delgada to avoid reduction of RTP-Açores broadcasting schedule
This initiative, which was joined by the Subcommittee of RTP-Açores workers and a group of citizens representing several areas of Azorean society, culture and television, is justified by the fact that this measure contends with the provisions of the concession contract of public radio and television service, and the law. The Injunction was submitted on the day when the new RTP-Açores programming grid started officially, which will make the broadcasting of regional programmes impossible before 5 PM and 11 PM. This decision has led to the cancellation of some programmes such as "Bom Dia, Açores" (Good Morning, Azores) and "Jornal da Tarde" (Afternoon News), the latter was alternately produced in Ponta Delgada, Angra do Heroísmo and Horta.
The Secretary of the Presidency, André Bradford, said that "the Azorean Government cannot stay passive when a measure that is result of the stubbornness of a Ministry of the National Government is being implemented. This decision has no grounds from a budget and technical standpoint and reduces the decision-making autonomy of RTP-Açores, which clearly disrespects the Azorean people and their rights."
"We are not the only ones to think so," the Regional Secretary stated, adding that we have the support of all political parties that do not have to ask permission to the National Government, the representatives of RTP workers in the Azores and a significant representation of the Azorean people. We do not believe that the National Government is assuring a better public television services in the Azores by limiting the organising capacity of RTP/Açores, reducing its broadcast time and avoiding the dialogue with the regional self-government bodies."
The Administrative and Fiscal Court will decide on this injunction after the opposition of the public service concessionaire.
The Government will also submit the principal claim within the usual deadlines.