Ecuador forces government shows on TV, radio

QUITO, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Ecuador has ordered television and radio stations to transmit government programs that inform the public about a plan to reform the constitution that will bolster President Rafael Correa's powers.

The education ministry told the country's media watchdog in a letter on Thursday to enforce a law that obliges private radio and television stations to broadcast up to one hour of state-run educational programming every day.

It was not clear what sanctions broadcasters could face if they do not transmit the spots.

Short programs will be broadcast three times a day, sometimes during prime-time, and would likely help Correa rally support before the Sept. 28 referendum for a constitution that would give him greater sway over the economy.

The leftist leader is inching closer to the 50 percent majority he needs to pass the reform, recent polls show.

"We consider the broadcasting of the proposed constitution crucial for the citizens' education," the ministry said in the letter. The ministry said programs should start on Friday.

Some broadcasters said they feared the government could use the programs for electoral purposes and were evaluating whether to obey the order.

"I'm talking to the owners of concessions and they think it is a very odd (order) amid an electoral process," Nicolas Vega, the head of an association of private television stations told Reuters. "We are still evaluating the order."

Correa launched a public television and radio station this year and already broadcasts messages to the public via private TV and radio stations several times a week.