Open Your Eyes - Channel 5 Belize

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.

Open Your Eyes Shines Bright with a Sleek New Look

Great Belize Productions Limited’s Open Your Eyes morning show debuted a stunning transformation today. The show unveiled state-of-the-art studio sets and a brand-new logo. This rebranding effort underscores the show’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in Belize’s dynamic media landscape and reaffirms its place as the nation’s go-to morning show.

The upgrades are nothing short of impressive. From cutting-edge audio and video systems to sleek new designs, the changes reflect Open Your Eyes’ dedication to delivering top-tier programming to Belizeans every morning. But this transformation isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s backed by serious technology and innovation.

Channel 5, the home of Open Your Eyes, has partnered with Caritech, the distributor of AEQ systems, to modernise its studios into fully interconnected hubs of innovation. Spearheaded by Richard Rawlins, a prominent figure in Caribbean broadcasting, the project integrates advanced audio and video solutions that position Channel 5 at the forefront of the region’s media industry.

Key to this transformation are two Forum Split consoles, each equipped with 24 faders and 16-channel Dante modules. These consoles enable seamless audio control across various production settings, from live shows like Open Your Eyes to more complex multimedia productions. Their modular design ensures flexibility, catering to everything from basic operations to sophisticated productions.

The upgrades also include an AEQ Xpeak intercom system, featuring desktop panels for audio booths and Master Control, belt packs for camera operators, and interfaces that connect the entire studio network at a Dante level. These features streamline communication during live broadcasts, ensuring that every cue and transition is flawless.

Meanwhile, a Systel IP system using Dante protocol has been installed to enhance phone and audio integration, significantly reducing costs while boosting quality. This system ensures that Open Your Eyes is always connected—whether it’s for live call-ins or high-quality interviews.

For the newsroom, a Netbox 4MH interface has been installed, enabling high-quality recordings via Dante. This allows Open Your Eyes and other Channel 5 productions to integrate microphone inputs and headphone outputs through an advanced IP network, ensuring crystal-clear audio for viewers and guests alike.

The modernisation effort was executed with precision by Channel 5’s technical team, including Luis Sosa and Korey Gooding, who created a unified audio network to share content seamlessly across various platforms.

Channel 5’s upgrades don’t just elevate Belizean media—they’re setting a benchmark for the entire Caribbean. Coordinated by César Reyna, AEQ’s manager for Mexico and Central America, the project marks AEQ’s expansion into the region, showcasing Belize as a leader in broadcast innovation.

For Belizeans, these upgrades mean a richer, more engaging viewing experience on Open Your Eyes. With its refreshed look and cutting-edge technology, the show is poised to continue delivering the news, entertainment, and interviews that have made it a household name—only now, it’s better than ever.

Whether you’re tuning in for the latest headlines, community updates, or vibrant discussions, Open Your Eyes is brighter, bolder, and ready to dazzle in 2024 and beyond.

Happy 16th Anniversary Open Your Eyes

Today, the popular morning talk show Open Your Eyes is celebrating an incredible 16 years of bringing education, entertainment, and inspiration to viewers across Belize since its first debut in 2008.

Channel 5 CEO Marleni Cuellar, who was the original host, recalled the vision behind the show: “In 2008, when the show was launched, I came on board full time at Channel 5 primarily as a host… It was a vision to create a morning show that allowed us to have deeper conversations and look at different aspects of culture and life in Belize,” Cuellar said.

After 14 years, Cuellar passed the hosting baton to news anchor Sabreena Daly. Daly, who joined just over a year ago, shared how the experience has transformed her. “It’s been such a learning curve… I get to have these extensive conversations that would normally be controlled by the news cycle,” she explained.

Currently, Open Your Eyes is hosted by Sabreena Daly, April Martinez, Paul Lopez, and Isani Cayetano, who continue the legacy of providing engaging, insightful content every weekday morning from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m.

Behind the scenes, producer Viannie Reyes plays a crucial role in the show’s success, ensuring everything runs like clockwork. “It takes preparation, dedication, and commitment to make a production successful,” said Reyes.

This year, Open Your Eyes received a Special Mention at the Caribbean Broadcasting Awards, a recognition of its high standards and consistent quality. Cuellar attributed the show’s recognition to the show’s commitment to excellence: “We ensure that we get guests who are well versed… that our hosts are as prepared as they can be… and I think that’s a standard we’ve carried through all these years.”

As the show looks to the future, the current team promises even bigger and better content for its viewers.

Happy 16th anniversary, Open Your Eyes!

Open Your Eyes Morning Show Celebrates 16th Anniversary

Tonight, we have a story that’s close to the heart of the Channel Five team. We’re celebrating the sixteenth anniversary of our morning talk show, Open Your Eyes. Since 2009, Open Your Eyes has been bringing educational and entertaining segments to viewers across Belize. As we mark this special occasion, we look back at how the show has evolved over the past sixteen years. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

This morning, viewers of the Open Your Eyes talk show were treated to a festive celebration with cake and champagne as the hosts marked the show’s sixteenth anniversary. Open Your Eyes first aired in 2008, with the current Channel 5 CEO, Marleni Cuellar, as the original host. She shared her journey and experiences as one of the show’s pioneers, reflecting on how far they’ve come.

Marleni Cuellar, C.E.O., Channel 5

“In 2008, when the show was launched, I came on board full time at channel five primarily as a host and it was an interesting time. The CEO at that time, Amalia Mai, had the vision to be able to create a morning show, a morning television show for Channel 5 or News 5 program as always has been such a important part of the daily conversation in Belize, but we felt we needed to have a different element, something that allowed us to have deeper conversations. That allowed us to be able to look at different aspects of culture and experience and life in Belize and to do a fantastic television production because we know we have a really great team here capable of doing that So that was the vision back in 2008 something positive something motivational and most importantly something informational.”

After fourteen years on the show, Cuellar stepped away from the spotlight to take on other roles within the company. But the show still needed a vibrant personality. That’s when news anchor Sabreena Daly was invited to join. She shared with us what it’s been like stepping into this exciting new role.

Sabreena Daly, Host, Open Your Eyes

“So I’ve been a part of Open Your Eyes as a host for about a little bit over a year. And honestly, the only thing I can say is it’s been such a learning curve. Of course, you would know that my involvement primarily was in news as an anchor, as a feature writer. But being invited over to the morning show was different because obviously I have to wake up earlier in the morning. But for me, it was a learning experience because I get to have these extensive conversations that would normally be controlled by the news cycle, of course, the writing stories. But I get to engage with these persons that we are interviewing. Not only that, I get to learn a lot more. I have to do research. It’s really critical that the host does research, so that we’re able to know, one, the type of questions to ask, but also know exactly what our viewers are looking for as well.”

Daly credits her growth in the role to her mentors, Marleni Cuellar and fellow host Isani Cayetano. Other familiar faces on the team include Paul Lopez and April Martinez, who each bring their unique voices to the show. Behind the scenes, there’s OYE producer Viannie Reyes, who has been working her magic for about three years. She gave us a glimpse into her role as producer, sharing what it takes to keep the show running smoothly.

Viannie Reyes, Producer, Open Your Eyes

“It’s definitely not a one man show. It’s a show that consists of quite a team that I have here and I’m grateful for the team that I have. It takes preparation, dedication and commitment to make a production successful as open your eyes. I do believe that gathering segments, not only just here in Belize City, but it comes from all over the country, depending on the topics that we have. We have to work two weeks in advance, sometimes three, to plan different segments. We need to get creative on topics, educational topics, informative topics that we do believe Belizeans would enjoy to hear and to listen to.”

Just this year, Open Your Eyes received a Special Mention at the Caribbean Broadcasting Awards. Cuellar attributes this to the consistent quality the show has maintained over the past sixteen years.

Marleni Cuellar

“We have a standard that was set from the beginning. That we ensure that we get guests who are well versed and understanding of different topics. That our hosts are as prepared as they can be for conversations, that we ensure that our audience have learned something new or understand something better or have been able to see a different perspective than they have seen before. And I think that’s a standard that we’ve carried through all these years and I’m very proud of that.”

As the show continues to grow, the team promises more meaningful conversations with guests and entertaining segments but this time, bigger and better. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Cheers to 16 Years!

Get ready to celebrate! Open Your Eyes is turning 16 on November 17, and we’ve got something extra special lined up for our incredible viewers. This Friday, November 15, we’re going all out with a morning show like never before—packed with laughs, behind-the-scenes moments, and some surprise appearances that are sure to bring a smile.

“It’s a milestone for us,” says producer Viannie Reyes. “Over the years, we’ve shared so many laughs, heartfelt moments, and meaningful conversations with our audience. And this anniversary show will be all about celebrating with those who’ve been with us every step of the way.”

The show will host a special anniversary episode filled with entertainment, a nostalgic look back at memorable moments, and insights from loyal viewers.

Reyes said, “It’s been a milestone, filled with laughter, tough moments, and serious discussions. On our anniversary day, we’re looking forward to a fun-filled morning featuring behind-the-scenes content, fan engagement, and some of our top supporters joining us in the studio.” She said that one of the most impactful segments over the years has been their mental health roundtable discussions, which resonated deeply with both the team and audience.

The celebration will bring laughter with appearances from well-known Belizean personalities, along with a performance by Bussa B band and singer Yannie, who recently returned to Belize and was thrilled to join the anniversary show. Reyes added, “This year, we made it a point to acknowledge our top fans, and we’re excited to have them as part of our 16th anniversary celebration.”

Reyes also reflected on the show’s progress, from developing creative educational segments to spotlighting small businesses and travelling across Belize to offer marketing opportunities. “It’s been a journey of growth and commitment to keeping our viewers informed and entertained,” she said. However, she acknowledged challenges along the way, including unexpected cancellations and the logistics of filming on location, yet praised the team’s resilience in making it all possible.

Looking ahead, Reyes hinted at exciting plans for the future, though keeping details under wraps. “We encourage everyone to tune in this year because next year’s show will be very different,” she teased. “Join us for laughter, fun, champagne popping, and cake cutting as we celebrate this special milestone.”