texas-moody

Press Freedom

Map shows global press freedom situation. Source: RSF

Latin American countries fall in global press freedom ranking

The global press freedom ranking by NGO Reporters Without Borders (RSF) confirmed a perceived trend in Latin America: a general worsening of conditions for the exercise of journalism on the continent. Of the 24 countries in the region analyzed, 19 lost points in the RSF survey.

Featured Image Marty Baron

U.S. editor Marty Baron promises to advocate for Latin American press upon receiving Chapultepec Grand Prize

Upon accepting the 2021 Chapultepec Grand Prize, editor Marty Baron recognized not only his own objective of fighting for an independent press to ensure democracy, but the battles waged by his Latin American colleagues to do the same.

Reporter holding a COVID vaccine vial

In deadliest region for journalists due to COVID-19, Latin American press associations ask governments for vaccines

Journalistic associations in Latin America have been asking their governments to recognize journalism as a necessary profession for information during the pandemic. The region is the most deadly in the world for journalists in terms of deaths caused by COVID-19.

Tribute to those killed during citizen protests in Nicaragua April 2018

April marks three years of social crisis in Nicaragua; journalists tell what it's like to work under repression from the regime

The demonstrations are a milestone in the country, because, after them, the Nicaraguan regime and supporters of the governing party, the Sandinista National Liberation Front, turned against the press and opponents.

Hands tied together with rope on a black background

Two Brazilian journalist associations launch initiatives against judicial harassment

The Brazilian Press Association filed two lawsuits with the Federal Supreme Court to curb the abuse of lawsuits against journalists. The Brazilian Association of Investigative Journalism launched a program to provide legal support to independent journalists targeted by lawsuits.

Kenton Chance reporting in front of street covered in ash

Journalists in St. Vincent fight ash and with limited resources to cover historic eruption of volcano in middle of pandemic

Journalists on the 150 square mile island of St. Vincent are showing how residents are grappling with the continuing eruptions of La Soufrière, fallen ash, evacuations, water shortages and damage to homes in the midst of a global pandemic.

Antony Blinken

U.S. State Department report on human rights and press freedom around the world draws ire of some Latin American leaders

Governments of several Latin American countries have struck back after the U.S. State Department released its report on human rights practices around the world, including comments regarding freedoms of expression and of the press. However, the annual reports, which are now in their 45th edition, are welcomed by press freedom and journalism groups in nations […]

Press conference

Press conferences without questions: trend gained strength in Latin America and the Caribbean during pandemic

With social distancing rules, control over who asks questions –and when they’re asked– has increased in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Persona con carta: "El periodismo es libre o es una farsa"

Global journalism community rallies for press freedom in Nicaragua as government officially takes over independent newsrooms

In solidarity with the independent journalists who continue to report, investigate and inform Nicaraguan society, 470 journalists from 40 countries signed a letter against repression from the government. 

Caracas, Venezuela

Year begins with attacks on independent media in Venezuela and journalists fear passage of laws against the press

Journalists and experts attributed the increase in attacks to a repressive pattern from the government and to the country's political moment, of the retaking of the National Assembly by those aligned with Chavismo.

Hand on sound board

World Radio Day celebrates its 10th anniversary and 110 years of this 'young medium'

2020 was perhaps the year in which radio most clearly demonstrated its impact and importance in society. This 110-year-old "young media outlet" – as UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay refers to it – has a penetration rate of 75 percent in developing countries.

Microphone in front of red on air sign

Here’s what radio journalists from Latin America and the Caribbean told LJR about radio’s importance to press freedom

In celebration of World Radio Day, we asked radio journalists from Latin America and the Caribbean why radio is important for press freedom in the region.