Media Pact against Criminal Groups

From yesterday's El Universal:

More than 700 media outlets from all over the country signed the Agreement for the Informative Coverage of Violence, which provides for the guarantee of the freedom of expression in an atmosphere of criminality and violence that racks the country.

In an action carried out at the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, directors and representatives of various communications media, from TV networks, radios, print edia, and electronic information sources, committed themselves to abide by a strategy that offers journalistic work greater depth and limits the propaganda effects of organized crime.

It's a bit hard to know what exactly this will mean, but the intentions are certainly praiseworthy. Calderón and Beltrones (and surely others) expressed support as well.

Update: Perhaps not so praiseworthy; it depends a great deal on how it plays out in practice. More from Joshua Frens-String:

In a 10-point accord released Thursday, some of Mexico’s most powerful media executives, representing over 40 media groups, say they will begin limiting their publication of violent drug war images and stop printing “propaganda” that might glorify cartel activities. The Washington Post reports on the announcement, saying the “guidelines” are non-binding and will still allow for the publication of some sorts of violent images – although it remains unclear, at least from early reports, what limits are under the new pact.

Notably, a number of Mexico’s most important newspapers and news outlets – among them Reforma, La Jornada, and the weekly Proceso – refused to sign on to the agreement. Carmen Aristegui of CNN Espanol criticized the pact directly Thursday, calling it a move toward “patriotic journalism.” Proceso journalist GenaroVillamil said the accord “opened the door to a form of prior censorship.”