Journalists - Mexico
A crime reporter with Nogales radio station XENY (AM 760), César Barrón talks about the type of stories that he focuses on, the challenges faced by reporters in Mexico, and the effects that violence reporting has on members of his profession. Barron warns of the importance of retaining the capacity to be surprised and empathetic to the suffering of others. He touches on the differences in professional experience based on gender, the use of social networks, and the many opportunities for learning and growth that a journalism student can gain by working in the border.
Photo editor for the Semanario Zeta, Ramon Blanco Villalon is the last founding member still employed at the newspaper that was first managed by his father. After 34 years in the Semanario, Blanco notes how his job has evolved, from the influence exerted by digital technology, to the need to work in pairs and even groups of three to protect themselves against violence. Blanco also talks about the use of social media and how his weekly paper respects sources that request not being identified. Noting how journalists from different times bring something different to the photographs they take, he touches on his role as mentor for young reporters, and how he uses weekly meetings to teach and well as learn from one another. Finally, he touches on the difference on how reporters get started in the U.S. vs how they do in Mexico, where experience trumps schooling.
Vicente Calderón, editor of a news blog TijuanaPress.com, has spent over 20 years working in covering news on various media (radio, TV, and online) for audiences on both sides of the border. He discusses how his work on both sides influenced his reporting style and his decision to start the news blog, as well as the challenges to monetize his reporting online. Believing that issues of impunity in regards to violence toward journalists has decreased, Calderon discusses other obstacles to journalism in general, like the lack of professional development, but also the way in which their situation has improved, with the help of social media.
Ramon Dario Deandar discusses his work as editor in chief of a newspaper in Nuevo Laredo. Deandar also describes the danger of reporting on organized crime and corruption and argues how female journalists tend to be more responsible in a profession arena dominated by “machismo.”
Journalist Luis Cardona Galindo tells the story of his kidnapping in Juarez as well as enlisting his efforts as one of the founders of Diario 19, a small organization dedicated to the protection of Journalists. Cardona asserts that his story is typical of kidnappings and violence towards journalists and others in Mexico.
Araly Casteñón, journalist and co-founder of the Juarez Journalist Network, talks about her organization and how it differs from the Journalists of Juarez Association. She shares her goals to provide professional development to journalists in the region and comments on the role that women play in her profession. She also discusses the cycle of violence (feminicides) and the negative effect that advertisement contracts have on the freedom of expression.
Ricardo Chavez Aldaza converses about his experiences as a radio host seeking political asylum in the United States. A staunch critic of the Mexican government and crime organizations, Chavez highlights the ways in which freedom of speech is under attack.
Ninfa Deandar Martinez, Director General of El Mañana newspaper in Nuevo Laredo, talks about her father, founder of El Mañana, and about her upbringing and that of her children. Touching on the murder of her editor, Roberto Mora García, and the suspicious death of her youngest son, Deandar reminices about past historical events, and declares herself proud to call on corrupt politicians,denouncing drug traffickers as the "black hand" in Mexico.
Heriberto Deandar Robinson,editor-in-chief and shareholder of El Mañana, discusses the family legacy that led him to a life in journalism, his experiences living in the border region, and the security measures that all journalist must take in order to report on local news. Remembering some of the most graphic effects of the violence in Tamaulipas, Deandar talks about the meager efforts by politicians and others to stop the violence and to facilitate access to international interests bent on taking advantage of Mexican gas and energy for financial gain.
Salvador Esparza, editor in chief of the Periódico Norte, describes the violent crisis suffered by the city of Juarez in 2008-2012. He discusses the challenges that journalism faces in the city, such as the lack of security and freedom of press and freedom of speech.
Balbina Flores discusses her work as a representative of Reporters Without Borders and their challenges in defending freedom of expression in Mexico. Flores also discusses the issue of impunity in Mexico and how the government has not done enough to help journalists or to stop the spread of violence in the country. Flores criticizes the new office of the special prosecutor aimed to investigate and protect journalists and freedom of expression, claiming it has not lived up to its responsibilities. Flores also argues the need for a greater public outcry against the violence, threats, and silencing in Mexico.
Rocio Gallegos, editor-in-chief at El Diario de Juarez and cofounder for the Juarez Journalist Network, narrates her experiences during the 2008-2012 wave of violence, describing the efforts of support and professional development taken on by the Network.
Journalist, Maria Idalia Gomez, describes the institutional weakness in certain parts of Mexico, particularly in small border towns that have high rates of poverty. Gomez also discusses corruption, how acts of violence continue to go unpunished, and argues that the culture and mentality among journalists needs to change. Gomez also highlights issues between journalists and organizations that help/train them since in-fighting and competition for resources fosters disunity. Finally, Gomez argues how freedom of expression and press in Mexico are at risk.
Verónica Guzmán Tapia, a reporter with El Mañana, talks about the environment in which journalism takes place in Matamoros, due to the violence and censorship in the area, giving a summary of the culture in the border region and how this feeds the growth of organized crime. Describing the ways in which journalism has changed over time, Guzman gives her opinion on the difference between women and men journalists, discussing the future of the profession, as well as the way technology is affecting how journalists develop and perform in their job.
Sergio Haro, journalist with La Zeta, talks about his beginnings as a photojournalist and his experiences dealing with government corruption and organized crime. Haro mentions how with the arrival of the federal forces in the border area in 2012, access to information by journalists has become more difficult. Speaking on social media, Haro points to the advantage of almost instant notification balanced with the disadvantage of it being dominated by low quality information and credibility. Haro closes his comments with advice to young journalists.
Hector Hugo Jimenez, general editor in chief for Verbo Libre, along with its free morning paper, Media Hora, talks in detail about his work as part of Heriberto Deandar Robinson's editorial team, noting that their reporters enjoy some of the highest salaries in the area, which allows them to not become involved with organized crime. Jimenez describes how border journalism functions by censuring itself and publishing news that has been given "green light" by the dominant groups of the area.
Lucia Lagunes Huerta discusses her organization CIMAC (Center for Communication and Information about Women) and its challenges in Mexico. As a defender of freedom of expression, Huerta comments in depth about how this right is at risk and not enough is being done to protect journalists, especially female journalists. Huerta discusses the struggles of a journalist, including low wages and how important women are to the country's freedom of expression and press, both because of the large number of women in the profession, as well as for their tenacity in investigative journalism. The way in which CIMAC collaborates with other organizations is discussed as well.
Carlos Orlando Lima Chavez, editor for La Cronica, talks about how the risks of reporting news on public safety led to self-censure by Mexican journalists and to the development of protocols by the media to minimize these dangers, especially since the Mexican government continues to do nothing to protect reporters.
An independent journalist, Reyna Luna talks about violence in the border, how it affects members of her profession, and how she and others cope with the memories of all they have witnessed. Freedom of Press World Secretary in the organization COLAPER (Colegio Latinoamericano de Periodismo), Luna also discusses the difference in how men and women journalists tell their stories.
Humber Melgoza Vega is the former editor for La Prensa, currently at the helm of the weekly Contraseña, and has collaborated with other local media like Crónica, Zeta, and others. Melgoza talks about how the violence against journalists influences the way in which news are reported in smaller cities, limiting the depth and wording, often cautious not to enrage members of the local cartels. Melgoza also discusses how social media platforms, in particular Facebook, are used to attack journalists, but at the same time are helpful to obtain information that may not be accessible in any other way.
Omar Antonio Martinez, photojournalist, talks about the risks of capturing images of violence in Mexico and shares many of his personal experiences in the field and how these have affected him.
Adela Navarro Bello, co-director for the Zeta weekly, talks about her experiences and memories of Jesús Blanco Ornelas, coworker and mentor of hers. Navarro talks about the effects of the violence against journalists, about the measures used by Zeta to protect its staff, and the obstacles that the current government of Peña Nieto has established to deter access to information. Emphasizing the importance of having an independent media in the country, Navarro talks about examples of how the violence and government corruption makes that goal very difficult. Navarro also touches on her experiences as a female journalists, and on efforts to expand Zeta's independent reporting reach.
Reporter Ildefonso Ortiz compares and contrasts reporting in south Texas and in northern Mexico and describes the danger of investigative reporting in Tamaulipas. Ortiz discusses how careful he has to be while reporting on drug trafficking and corruption.
Luis Pedro Arellano Sarmiento works as both a reporter and university professor. Arellano discusses the experience of working at the Semanario Zeta the same year that its editor was assassinated. He notes how, aside from the danger to reporters, not much has changed to increase the freedom of expression, particularly from government officials. Believing that information has no owner, Arellano talks about how many reporters in Mexicali see no need for "exclusives," sharing news so that these can be published regardless of the type of media. At the same time, however, he notes many journalists base their reporting on who pays them, turning their work from journalism to propaganda. As a professor, he is convinced that journalists cannot sell their word and tries to teach that to young reporters. Similarly, Arellano teaches his students about the importance of verifying sources, so as to not damage the honor of those willing to share information.
Dario Ramirez discusses his organization (Article 19) and their greatest challenge: advocating for the protection of journalists and for transparency. Ramirez discusses the issue of freedom of expression, how journalists are being silenced due to threats of violence, and how impunity has become more common than ever in Mexico. Ramirez goes on to argue that despite the widespread corruption in the public sector and a failure to protect those who are being threatened, there is still a shared responsibility between government and major media outlets to defend the freedom of press and denounce corruption and impunity.
Journalist and activist Amalia Rivera discusses her work in the paper "La Jornada" and as an activist with her syndicate, Sitrajor. Rivera talks of the need to protect and defend journalists, human rights, and freedom of speech, addressing her issues with the Mexican government and their inability to address the central causes of the violence.
Guadalupe Salcido, Editor in Chief and Information Chief for Periodico del Norte, talks about her beginnings in journalism, about the effects that the violence and consequent economic crisis has had on journalism and the community in general (including personally); and about how Juárez and journalists alike are coping with the tension.
Journalist Miguel Timochenco discusses his work and experiences covering politics, crime and corruption in Mexico. In the 1980s, as consequence of his coverage of the presidential elections and the government’s efforts to censor the media, Timochenco was sent to a Guatemalan hotel for three months by the government. He describes the threats made on his life by criminal organizations due to his investigative reporting for the Laredo Morning Times, something he asserts is a big challenge for journalists. Timochenco also discusses corruption within the government and media, as well as the atmosphere experienced under President Peña Nieto.
Ricardo Trotti is a journalist, artist, and Press Freedom Director of the Inter American Press Association. Within the interview he discusses the challenges in stopping the violence against journalists and freedom of expression and press in Mexico. He also discusses the lack of unity and funding that organizations are currently enduring in Mexico and the lack of education and training available to journalists in Mexico.
Journalist and human rights activist, Marcela Turati, describes the structural, security, political, economic, and cultural issues that journalists and the industry face in Mexico. Turati also discusses her organization, Periodistas de a Pie, and how social media plays an important role in organizing, protesting and raising awareness.
Aimee Vega Montiel and her organization AMEDI (Mexican Association of the Right to Information) specialize in laws and legislation related to freedom of expression, press, and communication. Montiel discusses AMEDI’s involvement in the reform of laws governing telecommunications and media sectors, highlighting positives experienced during media policy debates, including how active young students and graduates have become involved in media and telecommunications policy design and reform. Montiel goes on to highlight the benefit of not having a salary at AMEDI, which gives the organization its fluidity.
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A crime reporter with Nogales radio station XENY (AM 760), César Barrón talks about the type of stories that he focuses on, the challenges faced by reporters in Mexico, and the effects that violence reporting has on members of his profession. Barron warns of the importance of retaining the capacity to be surprised and empathetic to the suffering of others. He touches on the differences in professional experience based on gender, the use of social networks, and the many opportunities for learning and growth that a journalism student can gain by working in the border.
Photo editor for the Semanario Zeta, Ramon Blanco Villalon is the last founding member still employed at the newspaper that was first managed by his father. After 34 years in the Semanario, Blanco notes how his job has evolved, from the influence exerted by digital technology, to the need to work in pairs and even groups of three to protect themselves against violence. Blanco also talks about the use of social media and how his weekly paper respects sources that request not being identified. Noting how journalists from different times bring something different to the photographs they take, he touches on his role as mentor for young reporters, and how he uses weekly meetings to teach and well as learn from one another. Finally, he touches on the difference on how reporters get started in the U.S. vs how they do in Mexico, where experience trumps schooling.
Vicente Calderón, editor of a news blog TijuanaPress.com, has spent over 20 years working in covering news on various media (radio, TV, and online) for audiences on both sides of the border. He discusses how his work on both sides influenced his reporting style and his decision to start the news blog, as well as the challenges to monetize his reporting online. Believing that issues of impunity in regards to violence toward journalists has decreased, Calderon discusses other obstacles to journalism in general, like the lack of professional development, but also the way in which their situation has improved, with the help of social media.
Ramon Dario Deandar discusses his work as editor in chief of a newspaper in Nuevo Laredo. Deandar also describes the danger of reporting on organized crime and corruption and argues how female journalists tend to be more responsible in a profession arena dominated by “machismo.”
Journalist Luis Cardona Galindo tells the story of his kidnapping in Juarez as well as enlisting his efforts as one of the founders of Diario 19, a small organization dedicated to the protection of Journalists. Cardona asserts that his story is typical of kidnappings and violence towards journalists and others in Mexico.
Araly Casteñón, journalist and co-founder of the Juarez Journalist Network, talks about her organization and how it differs from the Journalists of Juarez Association. She shares her goals to provide professional development to journalists in the region and comments on the role that women play in her profession. She also discusses the cycle of violence (feminicides) and the negative effect that advertisement contracts have on the freedom of expression.
Ricardo Chavez Aldaza converses about his experiences as a radio host seeking political asylum in the United States. A staunch critic of the Mexican government and crime organizations, Chavez highlights the ways in which freedom of speech is under attack.
Ninfa Deandar Martinez, Director General of El Mañana newspaper in Nuevo Laredo, talks about her father, founder of El Mañana, and about her upbringing and that of her children. Touching on the murder of her editor, Roberto Mora García, and the suspicious death of her youngest son, Deandar reminices about past historical events, and declares herself proud to call on corrupt politicians,denouncing drug traffickers as the "black hand" in Mexico.
Heriberto Deandar Robinson,editor-in-chief and shareholder of El Mañana, discusses the family legacy that led him to a life in journalism, his experiences living in the border region, and the security measures that all journalist must take in order to report on local news. Remembering some of the most graphic effects of the violence in Tamaulipas, Deandar talks about the meager efforts by politicians and others to stop the violence and to facilitate access to international interests bent on taking advantage of Mexican gas and energy for financial gain.
Salvador Esparza, editor in chief of the Periódico Norte, describes the violent crisis suffered by the city of Juarez in 2008-2012. He discusses the challenges that journalism faces in the city, such as the lack of security and freedom of press and freedom of speech.
Balbina Flores discusses her work as a representative of Reporters Without Borders and their challenges in defending freedom of expression in Mexico. Flores also discusses the issue of impunity in Mexico and how the government has not done enough to help journalists or to stop the spread of violence in the country. Flores criticizes the new office of the special prosecutor aimed to investigate and protect journalists and freedom of expression, claiming it has not lived up to its responsibilities. Flores also argues the need for a greater public outcry against the violence, threats, and silencing in Mexico.
Rocio Gallegos, editor-in-chief at El Diario de Juarez and cofounder for the Juarez Journalist Network, narrates her experiences during the 2008-2012 wave of violence, describing the efforts of support and professional development taken on by the Network.
Journalist, Maria Idalia Gomez, describes the institutional weakness in certain parts of Mexico, particularly in small border towns that have high rates of poverty. Gomez also discusses corruption, how acts of violence continue to go unpunished, and argues that the culture and mentality among journalists needs to change. Gomez also highlights issues between journalists and organizations that help/train them since in-fighting and competition for resources fosters disunity. Finally, Gomez argues how freedom of expression and press in Mexico are at risk.
Verónica Guzmán Tapia, a reporter with El Mañana, talks about the environment in which journalism takes place in Matamoros, due to the violence and censorship in the area, giving a summary of the culture in the border region and how this feeds the growth of organized crime. Describing the ways in which journalism has changed over time, Guzman gives her opinion on the difference between women and men journalists, discussing the future of the profession, as well as the way technology is affecting how journalists develop and perform in their job.
Sergio Haro, journalist with La Zeta, talks about his beginnings as a photojournalist and his experiences dealing with government corruption and organized crime. Haro mentions how with the arrival of the federal forces in the border area in 2012, access to information by journalists has become more difficult. Speaking on social media, Haro points to the advantage of almost instant notification balanced with the disadvantage of it being dominated by low quality information and credibility. Haro closes his comments with advice to young journalists.
Hector Hugo Jimenez, general editor in chief for Verbo Libre, along with its free morning paper, Media Hora, talks in detail about his work as part of Heriberto Deandar Robinson's editorial team, noting that their reporters enjoy some of the highest salaries in the area, which allows them to not become involved with organized crime. Jimenez describes how border journalism functions by censuring itself and publishing news that has been given "green light" by the dominant groups of the area.
Lucia Lagunes Huerta discusses her organization CIMAC (Center for Communication and Information about Women) and its challenges in Mexico. As a defender of freedom of expression, Huerta comments in depth about how this right is at risk and not enough is being done to protect journalists, especially female journalists. Huerta discusses the struggles of a journalist, including low wages and how important women are to the country's freedom of expression and press, both because of the large number of women in the profession, as well as for their tenacity in investigative journalism. The way in which CIMAC collaborates with other organizations is discussed as well.
Carlos Orlando Lima Chavez, editor for La Cronica, talks about how the risks of reporting news on public safety led to self-censure by Mexican journalists and to the development of protocols by the media to minimize these dangers, especially since the Mexican government continues to do nothing to protect reporters.
An independent journalist, Reyna Luna talks about violence in the border, how it affects members of her profession, and how she and others cope with the memories of all they have witnessed. Freedom of Press World Secretary in the organization COLAPER (Colegio Latinoamericano de Periodismo), Luna also discusses the difference in how men and women journalists tell their stories.
Humber Melgoza Vega is the former editor for La Prensa, currently at the helm of the weekly Contraseña, and has collaborated with other local media like Crónica, Zeta, and others. Melgoza talks about how the violence against journalists influences the way in which news are reported in smaller cities, limiting the depth and wording, often cautious not to enrage members of the local cartels. Melgoza also discusses how social media platforms, in particular Facebook, are used to attack journalists, but at the same time are helpful to obtain information that may not be accessible in any other way.
Omar Antonio Martinez, photojournalist, talks about the risks of capturing images of violence in Mexico and shares many of his personal experiences in the field and how these have affected him.
Adela Navarro Bello, co-director for the Zeta weekly, talks about her experiences and memories of Jesús Blanco Ornelas, coworker and mentor of hers. Navarro talks about the effects of the violence against journalists, about the measures used by Zeta to protect its staff, and the obstacles that the current government of Peña Nieto has established to deter access to information. Emphasizing the importance of having an independent media in the country, Navarro talks about examples of how the violence and government corruption makes that goal very difficult. Navarro also touches on her experiences as a female journalists, and on efforts to expand Zeta's independent reporting reach.
Reporter Ildefonso Ortiz compares and contrasts reporting in south Texas and in northern Mexico and describes the danger of investigative reporting in Tamaulipas. Ortiz discusses how careful he has to be while reporting on drug trafficking and corruption.
Luis Pedro Arellano Sarmiento works as both a reporter and university professor. Arellano discusses the experience of working at the Semanario Zeta the same year that its editor was assassinated. He notes how, aside from the danger to reporters, not much has changed to increase the freedom of expression, particularly from government officials. Believing that information has no owner, Arellano talks about how many reporters in Mexicali see no need for "exclusives," sharing news so that these can be published regardless of the type of media. At the same time, however, he notes many journalists base their reporting on who pays them, turning their work from journalism to propaganda. As a professor, he is convinced that journalists cannot sell their word and tries to teach that to young reporters. Similarly, Arellano teaches his students about the importance of verifying sources, so as to not damage the honor of those willing to share information.
Dario Ramirez discusses his organization (Article 19) and their greatest challenge: advocating for the protection of journalists and for transparency. Ramirez discusses the issue of freedom of expression, how journalists are being silenced due to threats of violence, and how impunity has become more common than ever in Mexico. Ramirez goes on to argue that despite the widespread corruption in the public sector and a failure to protect those who are being threatened, there is still a shared responsibility between government and major media outlets to defend the freedom of press and denounce corruption and impunity.
Journalist and activist Amalia Rivera discusses her work in the paper "La Jornada" and as an activist with her syndicate, Sitrajor. Rivera talks of the need to protect and defend journalists, human rights, and freedom of speech, addressing her issues with the Mexican government and their inability to address the central causes of the violence.
Guadalupe Salcido, Editor in Chief and Information Chief for Periodico del Norte, talks about her beginnings in journalism, about the effects that the violence and consequent economic crisis has had on journalism and the community in general (including personally); and about how Juárez and journalists alike are coping with the tension.
Journalist Miguel Timochenco discusses his work and experiences covering politics, crime and corruption in Mexico. In the 1980s, as consequence of his coverage of the presidential elections and the government’s efforts to censor the media, Timochenco was sent to a Guatemalan hotel for three months by the government. He describes the threats made on his life by criminal organizations due to his investigative reporting for the Laredo Morning Times, something he asserts is a big challenge for journalists. Timochenco also discusses corruption within the government and media, as well as the atmosphere experienced under President Peña Nieto.
Ricardo Trotti is a journalist, artist, and Press Freedom Director of the Inter American Press Association. Within the interview he discusses the challenges in stopping the violence against journalists and freedom of expression and press in Mexico. He also discusses the lack of unity and funding that organizations are currently enduring in Mexico and the lack of education and training available to journalists in Mexico.
Journalist and human rights activist, Marcela Turati, describes the structural, security, political, economic, and cultural issues that journalists and the industry face in Mexico. Turati also discusses her organization, Periodistas de a Pie, and how social media plays an important role in organizing, protesting and raising awareness.
Aimee Vega Montiel and her organization AMEDI (Mexican Association of the Right to Information) specialize in laws and legislation related to freedom of expression, press, and communication. Montiel discusses AMEDI’s involvement in the reform of laws governing telecommunications and media sectors, highlighting positives experienced during media policy debates, including how active young students and graduates have become involved in media and telecommunications policy design and reform. Montiel goes on to highlight the benefit of not having a salary at AMEDI, which gives the organization its fluidity.