WILLEMSTAD - Newspapers, radio and television channels are not eligible for the wage subsidy because of the corona crisis. This is according to the Minister of Economic Development Giselle McWilliam.
The wage subsidy is only for companies in a sector that is on a list of the ministry. The list includes the entertainment industry, tourism sector etc. The media is not on it. According to McWilliam, it is because there is no money and priority is given to other companies.
The minister does not exclude that the media may receive support in a second phase. Many newspapers and radio stations are struggling because of declining advertisements.