CANA Wants US$2M 'Restart' Help

According to this story, the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), forced to close over three weeks ago due to a serious cash flow problem, is seeking an aid package of US$2M from the Caribbean Community's governments to restart operations as soon as possible.

The merged enterprise of the Caribbean News Agency (CANA) and Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) has proposed that the heads of government, who meet next week in Belize, consider "a mix of grants/loans and guarantees equivalent to US$2M".

A "business plan", including pledges of more efficient management of resources and improved print, radio and television services to the Caribbean region and the Caribbean diaspora, is contained in a position paper submitted by CMC for today's emergency meeting in Antigua and Barbuda to deal with the future of the regional media institution.

According to the position paper, the Corporation has pointed to a range of proposals for restructuring but stressed the importance of urgent and positive responses for a "rescue" aid package.