Teleamazonas

Teleamazonas is a television channel in Ecuador. Since the start of their transmissions, on February 22 of 1974, the channel is one of the major television networks of Ecuador.

It broadcasts on channel 4 to Quito and channel 5 to Guayaquil. The international version of the channel is available on EchoStar's Dish Network DishLATINO programming package in the United States.

History

Teleamazonas began broadcasting on February 22, 1974, as the first network with colour television transmissions in Ecuador. Its headquarters are located in Quito. Teleamazonas got the most powerful microwave radio relay, acquired the first mobile television unit, and built in Guayaquil the biggest self-supported antenna.

Founded by Antonio Granda Centeno, the channel was under control of his family until 1999, when Eduardo Granda Garcés paid a high debt to Banco del Pichincha. Fidel Egas Grijalva, major shareholder of the bank, took charge of Teleamazonas.

During the presidency of Rafael Correa, the network, particularly its flagship opinion maker and pundit Jorge Ortiz, has found itself at odds with the government, which accuses it of manipulating public opinion to suite the interests of the companies and shareholders who provide the capital for Teleamazonas such as the Banco del Pichincha. Several proceedings have taken place against Teleamazonas, culminating on December 23, 2009, when the network was ordered a 72-hour shutdown. This government move immediately prompted a backlash from advocacy groups who claimed to be acting in the interests of freedom of expression.