The president of the Dominican Broadcasters Association (ADORA) denounced the expropriation of radio frequencies by religious groups. In an interview with Hoy, Omar Cepeda claimed that "illegal broadcasters are preaching the word of God in San Pedro de Macoris, Higuey, La Romana and other cities." Due to "repeated frequencies and names" the precise figure of authorized broadcasters can’t be fixed precisely, but the number hovers around 325. To this number must be added around a 140 more that operate "in outright violation of existing law," said Cepeda. Currently, a population of 8 million is being served by 450 radio stations. "In the eastern region, the illegals outnumber the legals," according to Cepeda. In the Province of San Pedro de Macoris, for example, 225,000 inhabitants are served by 16 broadcasters. The Province of Higuey, even smaller, has 20. Cepeda went on to complain that some of theillegal preaching stations are run by ADORA members who also maintain licensed frequencies, making a very awkward situation for the professional group to regulate. Cepeda is looking toward the newly created Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (INDOTEL) to step in right the situation. Association members who straddle the two worlds have justified the illegals by pointing to their morally uplifting purpose.
