The Miami Herald
Apr. 23, 2008

Mayan TV channel goes on the air in Guatemala

(AP) -- A new Mayan television channel has aired its first program in Guatemala focusing on Mayan culture and language.

TV Maya's director Rafael Morales says the first 30-minute show Wednesday featured a Mayan language class and segments on news and indigenous culture. There will be three new shows each week in Mayan with Spanish subtitles.

Morales says the network is broadcasting in some parts of the capital and will reach most of central Guatemala by December.

Mayan Indians account for 60 percent of Guatemala's population and most live in poverty. The majority of the 200,000 people killed during Guatemala's 36-year civil war were Indian peasants.