Latin America & the Caribbean

Venezuela

{This graph represents scores that have been modified by CIMA so that higher scores indicate a better media situation. It is intended to show trends over time; each index measures significantly different factors of press freedom. To see an explanation for how this graph was created, click here.}
 

The Venezuelan constitution guarantees freedom of expression, and the government regards access to the internet as a priority for the country’s economic and social development.1 Internet access has increased dramatically over the past decade, and the country has emerged as a leader in the use of social media platforms. In the context of growing restrictions on broadcast outlets and severe political polarization in the traditional media overall,2new media—especially blogs, the social-networking site Facebook, and the microblogging platform Twitter—have become important spaces for the diffusion of information and opinions on political and social topics. As government opponents have mobilized via these platforms, the authorities have taken measures in recent years to restrict online content and have hinted at future efforts to contain the influence of new media.

Read more on Freedom House's site...
 

Reporters Without Borders Description:

The country’s broadcast media have been under great strain during years of conflict with Chavez since the short-lived coup against him in April 2002. The campaign for the 15 February 2009 referendum that approved unlimited presidential re-election increased the media polarisation. Two of the four TV stations that backed the 2002 coup, Televen and Venevisión, kept their broadcasting frequencies by watering down their opinions.

Globovisión, which continues to criticise the government, has been targeted by six administrative procedures, some including fines, that may shut the station down before its licence expires in 2013. Radio Caracas Televisión (RCTV), the oldest and most popular station, had to give up its terrestrial frequency to the government cultural station Televisora venezolana social (Teves). It resumed broadcasting by cable, as did RCTV Internacional (RCTVI), but was administratively targeted again in 2010.

Read more on RSF’s site…

Using all the tools of power, President Hugo Chávez Frías continued his aggressive campaign to silence critical news media. In the waning days of a lame-duck National Assembly, the Chávez administration pushed through measures to restrict Internet content and tighten control over broadcast licenses. Relying on politicized courts, the government barred two major newspapers from publishing images of crime and violence in the run-up to September legislative elections. And through a series of politically motivated regulatory actions, the administration intimidated one critical broadcaster, Globovisión, and banished another, RCTV International.

Read more on CPJ’s site...

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