Reid Between the Lines -written by By G. Michael Reid

Word that Belize Telemedia Limited had acquired majority shares in Great Belize Productions created quite a stir in certain quarters, added more drama to an ongoing saga and made some people noticeably nervous.  The concern on the surface is that multi-millionaire businessman Michael Ashcroft has extended his tentacles to include a major media house.  Ashcroft already has substantial interest in several other business ventures in Belize, including Belize’slargest bank and telecommunications giant, BTL.  The timing of the Channel Five deal was of particular interest, considering that it came on the heels of a heated court battle between Ashcroft and Kremandala, whose interests involve radio, television and print media.  What it means then is that Ashcroft through Channel Five would now be competing directly with Kremandala.

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