Wednesday, June 17, 2009

New Institute for Mexican Reporters?

With the federal government dallying on the proposed federalization of crime against journalists, a PRD legislator in Tamaulipas has proposed the creation of a State Institute for Journalists in Tamaulipas. The institute would serve as a watchdog in terms of public policies toward journalists, and also provide legal, psychological, and retirement assistance. I'm not sure if this is something that would be best dealt with through a pseudo-governmental institute, but it's good to see politicians expressing concern for journalists.

Also, the Inter-American Press Society reports that Mexico remains the most dangerous place in the hemisphere for reporters. Fourteen journalists were murdered for their work in 2009, six of them in Mexico, and two each in Venezuela and Guatemala.

2 comments:

jd said...

Could be interesting. Colombia has a protection program that has helped somewhat, though I doubt anyone from the PRD wants to take lessons from the Colombian government. On the other hand, self-censorship remains rampant in Colombia, just as it has become in parts of Mexico. Until the environment for reporting is improved (many years away, at this rate) it's pick your poison, reporters under threat or autocensura.

pc said...

Until the environment for reporting is improved (many years away, at this rate) it's pick your poison, reporters under threat or autocensura.

True enough. The federalization law would help make the investigation of crimes against journalists more effective, but I don't think it will do a whole lot to make life safer for journalists here. After all, drug-trafficking laws are federal, and that hasn't exactly made the industry disappear.