Great Belize Television Celebrates 33 Years of Broadcasting Excellence

Great Belize Television, popularly known as Channel 5, is marking its 33rd anniversary today. From its humble beginnings as a small television station to becoming one of Belize’s most trusted sources of news, entertainment, and public affairs programming, Channel 5 has cemented its place as a household name and a pillar of Belizean media.

Founded on December 9, 1991, Great Belize Television was envisioned as a channel that would prioritise high-quality, locally produced content. Over the years, it has evolved into a leading broadcaster known for its impartial reporting, investigative journalism, and creative local programming. As Belize’s media landscape has transformed with the rise of digital technology, so too has Channel 5, which now reaches audiences not only through traditional television but also via social media and online streaming platforms.

The Early Days: Pioneering Local Television

When Great Belize Television first launched, the local media industry was in its infancy. International channels dominated television screens, and Belizean-made content was limited. Channel 5 set out to change that. Its founders aimed to produce high-quality programming that reflected the voices, stories, and realities of Belizeans.

The station’s flagship production, News 5 Live, became its most prominent and enduring program. Known for its balanced reporting, in-depth investigations, and fearless coverage of current affairs, News 5 Live quickly earned public trust. The program set a new standard for journalistic excellence in Belize, prioritising accuracy, fairness, and accountability.

Alongside its news program, Channel 5 also ventured into entertainment and lifestyle content. Shows like Duets—a local singing competition—and Showdown—a televised talent showcase—captivated viewers and provided a platform for local artists to shine.

Flagship Programs That Defined a Generation

At the heart of Great Belize Television’s legacy is News 5 Live, the station’s flagship news program, which delivers daily updates on national, regional, and international events. Renowned for its investigative journalism, News 5 Live has played a crucial role in holding public officials accountable and informing citizens about the key issues that shape their lives. With its reputation for accuracy, depth, and bold reporting, the program remains a pillar of Belizean news media.

Mornings in Belize wouldn’t be the same without Open Your Eyes, a lively morning show launched in 2007. The show blends current affairs, lifestyle, and entertainment, offering a well-rounded start to the day. Hosted by a rotating cast of charismatic presenters, Open Your Eyes invites policymakers, entertainers, and everyday Belizeans into its studio for engaging interviews and discussions that keep the public informed and entertained.

No list of iconic Channel 5 programming would be complete without Karaoke Television (KTV) and its spinoffs. As one of Belize’s most beloved talent competitions, KTV became a platform for aspiring singers to showcase their vocal talents. With formats like KTV Duets, KTV Latino, KTV Kids, KTV The Remix, and If You Can Sing It, Bring It, these competitions captivated the nation. Audiences tuned in weekly to watch performers compete for the grand prize, with judges offering feedback that added drama, excitement, and anticipation to every episode.

Sports enthusiasts have long relied on The James Adderley Sports Report to stay updated on local and international sporting events. Covering everything from football to cycling, this iconic segment became essential viewing for fans across the country. Today, it has evolved into Sports Monday with reporter Paul Lopez, continuing the legacy of providing comprehensive sports coverage with the same passion and precision.

Channel 5 also recognises the importance of celebration and culture through its Summer Fest and Holiday Specials. These annual broadcasts capture the joy and excitement of Belizean holidays, cultural festivals, and national celebrations. Viewers get to see their communities come to life on screen, fostering a sense of national pride and unity during moments of festivity.

Entertainment extended to shows like Lauren Da Nite. Sixty Second Sermon offered a moment of reflection and spiritual guidance, while The Andy Palacio Show celebrated Belize’s rich musical heritage.

Reality TV also made its mark with From Yes to I Do, which followed couples on their journey to marriage, and The Belize Apprentice, a business-orientated competition inspired by the global hit show. For those with dreams of stardom, If You Can Sing It, Bring It, and Be the Next Superstar provided platforms for aspiring artists to showcase their talents.

Political discourse found a home in One on One with Dickie Bradley, where in-depth interviews with key figures shed light on national issues. Meanwhile, Bruk It Down, Miss Jenny offered life advice, often with a humorous but practical touch.

Regional Excellence

From hard-hitting news coverage to beloved entertainment and cultural celebrations, Great Belize Television’s programming has shaped the way Belizeans see their country, their communities, and themselves. Through every segment, competition, and special report, the station continues to uphold its commitment to inform, entertain, and inspire. Its continued recognition from the Caribbean Broadcasting Union for excellence in journalism underscores its enduring legacy of professionalism, integrity, and impact in the media industry.

Over the years, News 5 Live has received numerous accolades from the CBU across various categories, solidifying its reputation as one of the most trusted and respected news sources in the region. In 2024, Channel 5 once again distinguished itself on the regional stage. The winners were selected from a pool of 444 submissions across several categories, including print, radio, television, and digital media. Reflecting on the intensity of the competition, Channel 5’s CEO, Marleni Cuellar, highlighted the growing challenge of maintaining excellence amid increasing submissions each year. “There were over four hundred entries into this year’s CMAs, and the awards submissions just keep growing and growing. The competition keeps getting tighter and tighter,” Cuellar remarked. “The pressure is definitely there to be able to keep up to standard with what we have always been capable of achieving. I am incredibly proud of my team that secured these awards and for the extended support team at Channel 5 that works to keep the environment conducive to creating these types of awards.”

Elevating Belize’s Broadcast Standards and Adapting to Digital Change

In the digital age, Channel 5 has continued to evolve. Recognising the shift in media consumption habits, the station launched a revamped website and continues to be a leader on social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Live-streaming of major news events and News 5 Live broadcasts allows Belizeans at home and abroad to stay connected to current events.

This shift has helped Channel 5 maintain its relevance in an era where traditional television viewership is on the decline. It has also allowed Belizean diasporas living abroad to access Channel 5’s programming in real time, keeping them connected to home.

Channel 5 has significantly upgraded its production capabilities, with two Forum Split consoles featuring 24 faders and 16-channel Dante modules, enabling seamless audio control for both live shows like Open Your Eyes and more complex productions. The upgrades also include an AEQ Xpeak intercom system, enhancing communication during live broadcasts, and a Systel IP system using Dante protocol for phone and audio integration, improving quality and reducing costs. Additionally, a Netbox 4MH interface has been installed in the newsroom for high-quality recordings, ensuring crystal-clear audio.

These enhancements, executed by Channel 5’s technical team, set a new benchmark for the Caribbean, positioning Belize as a leader in broadcast innovation. The upgrades ensure a richer, more engaging viewing experience for Open Your Eyes viewers, with improved technology supporting its news, entertainment, and interviews.

A Legacy of Impact and Trust

For 33 years, Great Belize Television has been more than a broadcaster—it has been a champion for press freedom, a watchdog for democracy, and a storyteller for the Belizean people. From reporting on landmark court rulings to covering the devastation of hurricanes, Channel 5 has stood by the Belizean public during moments of crisis, celebration, and change.

The station has also played a critical role in shaping public discourse. It has given a platform to policymakers, activists, and community leaders, ensuring a diversity of perspectives are heard. By bringing public interest issues to light, Channel 5 has contributed to greater government transparency and civic engagement.

As we celebrate our 33rd anniversary, Channel 5 remains focused on the future. The station has embraced digital transformation, prioritising multi-platform content delivery to reach viewers where they are. It continues to produce content that resonates with younger audiences, including social media-friendly clips, live streams, and digital news briefs.