Chilling Effect and Freedom of the Press in

Chilling Effect and Freedom of the Press in Mexico: Then and Now Justin West

Mexico: A dangerous place to be a journalist? �Valentin Valdes Espinosa �Abducted on Jan 7 th, 2010 along with another unnamed journalist. �Found Jan 8 th, shot multiple times (after having been tortured) �He was part of a team of reporters who had covered an army raid, and the article (which had NO byline) identified a high-level member of the Gulf cartel. �His killers left a hand-written note that read: “This is going to happen to those who don’t understand. The message is for everyone. ” (source CPJ) �What does something like this do to a free press?

Mexico: A dangerous place to be a journalist? �August 2010 � 4 journalists kidnapped �One of Mexico’s largest networks, Televisa, went blank for an hour in protest. �Not just attacking in retaliation any more? �September 2010 �El Diario in Ciudad Juárez ran a front page editorial calling for a truce with cartels

Overview �The purpose of this paper was to examine the concept of press freedom in Mexico, and specifically the factors that have affected it in the past and the factors that affect it today. �The structure of the paper is a profile on freedom of the press in Mexico, and how it experienced a kind of chilling effect under the one-party system of the PRI over the past century, and how it today is in danger of such an effect from organized crime.

Why is it important? �Freedom of the press is a necessary component in a democratic society as it provides a check on government, a “watchdog” role that calls public attention to what goes on. �Mexico has had a recent transition to open democracy. The PRI, one of the world’s longestrunning authoritarian regimes, was defeated in elections in 2000 and the role of the press has been acknowledged in that change. �Freedom of the press is now in danger of being suppressed by violent means, not by the government, but by drug cartels. �Mexico is ranked as “partly free” by Freedom House; the score is 55.

The PRI: Perfect Dictatorship? �The PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party) came about in 1917, along with the current constitution. �Article 7 of the constitution guarantees freedom of the press and prohibits prior censorship and other forms of government censorship and/or interference. �In the 1940’s, the state gained a stronger role in the economy, nationalizing many of the countries industries (oil and telecommunications among them). �The government provided subsidies to media outlets (such as the network Televisa) that were closely aligned.

“More carrot than stick…” �The state maintained control usually through coercion rather than violence. �PIPSA �A state company controlled the import and production of newsprint. �It provided “generous terms of credit” – it would sometimes absorb shipping and storage costs and sometimes even sell at reduced prices. �One incident involved suspension of credit and delivery when a newspaper was covering an industrial accident that made the state oil company (PEMEX) look bad.

“More carrot than stick…” (cont’d) �La Gacetilla �These were basically a paid advertisement that would masquerade as a real news story – it was a source of extra income for journalists. �This meant journalists had to treat sources almost as potential advertisers – not exactly conducive to objective reporting. �Outlets that cooperated with the government often received preferential tax treatment or subsidies.

Downfall of the PRI �The PRI’s control and success in maintaining stability led to economic development. �Economic development gave way to higher education and literacy, as well as media expansion. �This led to a more market-driven media model, which allowed for more objective journalism. �Political scandals began to come to public attention more and more. � 1995: coverage of a police ambush of peasant activists led to the eventual resignation of a state governor and the prosecution of numerous officials.

The Drug Cartels �The drug cartels in Mexico sprang up after trafficking routes through the Caribbean became blocked. �Currently, there are several major cartels battling over trade routes into the U. S. �They include the Gulf Cartel, the Sinaloa Cartel and the Juarez Cartel, among others. �There are concerns about the cartels being aligned with police and officials. �In 2006, the current president Felipe Calderon took office promising to curb the growing drugrelated violence. �The Mexican army has since been mobilized.

Organized Crime and its chilling effect �CPJ has covered the killings of journalists in Mexico since 1992. �They have investigated 48 murders of journalists since 1992. �There have been at least 4 killed this year alone. �Nearly 75% of the cases they have investigated were reporters covering crime. �They fear that many of the cases where the motive can be confirmed, it is in reprisal for their work. �Most times, the people responsible are not apprehended, and the cases go unsolved.

Organized Crime and its Chilling Effect �Eliseo Barreon Hernandez �Reporter/Photographer for La Opinion �Had covered a police corruption scandal which resulted in the firing of 300 officers �Was abducted in May 2009; found the next day having been tortured and shot 11 times. �May 27, 2009: on the day of his funeral, several posters were hung (some in front of TV and radio stations) warning journalists and soldiers. � Signed by the leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. �Authorities later detained a suspect in the kidnapping/murder who reported that he was ordered to “teach a lesson. ”

Organized Crime and its Chilling Effect �Armando Rodriguez �Reporter for El Diario �Shot to death in his car while at his home on Nov. 13, 2008 in Ciudad Juarez �Had received various threats, including a text message that told him to “tone it down, ” but continued on his regular crime beat. �Had reportedly gone to authorities after receiving the threats, though the authorities deny this. �Case remains unsolved.

Freedom of the Press in Mexico’s Drug War �The rise in drug-related violence in Mexico is relatively recent. �It is difficult to say conclusively what will happen in the long run. �The danger of violent suppression of press freedom is still present. �This is troubling due to role press must play in a democratic society. �Also troubling is the link between officials and organized crime, as is often the case.

Press as watchdog in this climate �The Mexican press has been credited with playing a role in the dissolution of the former authoritarian regime. �Increased ability to go after official targets without the fear of reprisals. �Can the cartels ever be stopped without press scrutiny? �Colombia during the 1980’s is similar in many ways. �“Plata o Plomo” (silver or lead) �The media only covered the Mafia when publishing official statements (Rosenberg 1991). �Eventually got to the point where the violence could not be ignored and was dealt with – many drug barons surrendered in exchange for leniency (ibid).

Press as watchdog in this climate �What will have to happen in Mexico to protect journalists? �As with uncovering government scandals, will the press have to have some fallback to protect them? �Will it get to the point where it can no longer be ignored? �Will social media evolve to tackle the problem? � Some is being done to curb the violence against journalists. �In Feb. 2010, Mexico replaced its special prosecutor for crimes against the media amid complaints that not enough had been done. �Legislation is also looking at making punishment for

Conclusion �Freedom of the press in Mexico today is not as hampered by government interference as it was under the PRI. �However, the threat of violent retaliation from organized crime groups is a growing concern. �This is made more complicated because of the apparent difficulty in punishing these crimes.