Press freedom in Colombia: A restricted right
Uncategorized“Freedom of the press is equivalent to the thermometer of democracy. With greater freedom of the press, greater democracy”, said Juan Camilo Hernández, director of the Social Communication and Journalism Program. Even though press freedom is a fundamental right stated in the Political Constitution of Colombia, journalism has historically been abused in the country (University of La Sabana, n.d.).
Those in control such as politicians, illegal armed groups and even directors from different media companies have been accused of threatening journalists and censoring the media. This is a reflection of the tense political and social landscape of Colombia which results from many years of internal conflict, corruption and drug trafficking.
The persecution and discredit of those who investigate and bring to light what has been done “under the table” is undeniable. “According to the Foundation for Freedom of the Press (FLIP), in 2020 alone there have been 125 violations of freedom of expression, with 172 victims.” (University of La Sabana, n.d.). Censorship has increased in recent years, leading Colombia to rank 130 out of 180 among other countries in the classification of Reporters without Borders which lists the freedom of the press in the world.
It is also important to mention that the majority of journalists in Colombia who work for government-owned media companies are not well paid, for which they are forced to encounter difficult economic situations or eventually look for other jobs. Very few journalists who are in “privileged” positions are able to really expose all these issues, such as those who work for foreign media companies or don’t depend on a salary from public entities. On the other hand, press freedom is extremely violated in rural areas, where most, if not all media available is controlled either by the army or state officials. Often this censorship is due to financial interests, loyalty between powerful groups both in the private and public sector, and lastly, the fear to be kidnapped or even killed for speaking up about any “controversial opinions”.
For many years Colombia’s democracy has been compromised by the rejection towards opposition. The problem continues when it’s not just the leaders against the media but all those who support and follow these leaders, who have been brainwashed into believing they must also put down any opposing voices. Leaders are taking away the democratic values from citizens without them even realizing it.
Today’s media landscape has been changing thanks to the emerging digital tools such as social media platforms. These facilitate to some extent journalistic activities, as they provide easier access to different sources and material. However, this also entails a risk regarding the reliability and truthfulness of the information and sources found online. Furthermore, such tools can also serve as a channel to reach much easier those who question, who speak up and threaten them. Nevertheless, social media does serve as a channel of opposition and gives more people the possibility to have a voice by providing a space where public debate can take place without requiring approval or resources from these powerful entities who control the media in Colombia.
To conclude, Colombia is a country where press freedom has become rather limited. But with the development of social media, new opportunities have been created to fight this oppression. But most importantly, it has to acknowledge the need to encourage a culture of debate and critical thinking, that allows a real democracy where press freedom is a respected right.
Sources:
Revista Semana. (2020). ¿Cuál es la situación de libertad de prensa en Colombia? | El Poder [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIypES5L99k&ab_channel=RevistaSemana
Universidad Nacional de Colombia. (2019). La libertad de prensa en Colombia ¿Un derecho restringido? | #PuntoCrítico [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-93WQe7ciuE&ab_channel=UniversidadNacionaldeColombia%7C%40Televisi%C3%B3nUNAL
Universidad de La Sabana. (n.d.). La “aporreada” libertad de prensa en Colombia. Universidad de La Sabana – Portal de Noticias. https://www.unisabana.edu.co/portaldenoticias/al-dia/la-aporreada-libertad-de-prensa-en-colombia/
Alsema, A. (2020). Press freedom in Colombia deteriorated in 2019 amid persistent aggression and self-censorship. Colombia News | Colombia Reports. https://colombiareports.com/amp/press-freedom-in-colombia-deteriorated-in-2019-amid-persistent-aggression-and-self-censorship/