Presentation of the Research Report "Local Level Journalism and Democracy Indicatos in Latin America''

Dr. Fernando Ruiz presented at CADAL’s headquarters, the third edition of the Research Report “Local Level Journalism and Democracy Indicators in Latin America” corresponding to the first semester of 2005.

On July 1, Dr. Fernando Ruiz presented at CADAL’s headquarters, the third edition of the Research Report “Local Level Journalism and Democracy Indicators in Latin America” corresponding to the first semester of 2005.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In Cuba there has been no progress but rather a worsening of the independent journalist’s situation. Particularly worrying is the situation of the twenty two condemned journalists who are suffering persecution in prison.

In Colombia there has been a slight improvement but it continues to be a country where journalists’ lives run enormous risks.

In Mexico, the danger is increasing and the authorities do not punish the murdere’s impunity.

In Haiti the semblance of order that was achieved midway through last year has been broken. The risk of violence against the press is increasing.

Following the referendum won by the Venezuelan Government, an institutional and legal structure is being built that potentially will place restrictions on press freedom.

In Latin America there exists a group of presidents who are critical of the role of the press and at times their attitudes are repressive, clientelistic and they withhold information. This is improper behavior in democratic scenarios.

Legislative activity referring to the media is increasing in the entire region with the intention of renewing its legal framework.

Whereas the authoritarian structures are being maintained fairly stable, in Latin America journalistic professionalism is increasing. These two factors are like two trains traveling in opposite directions. This makes it
foreseeable that conflicts with the press will increase. It is possible that in several of the more modern cities this conflictive situation will be contained or take on less violent forms, but in the outlaying areas where there is less democratic quality, the result will be the opposite.

SUMMARY

The worst areas in Latin America to practice journalism in the last semester
   - BLACK AREA
   - RED AREAS
   - BROWN AREA

Improvements in some of the worst areas reported in last semester's report

The owners and the democratic quality of the press

The presidents and journalism

Judges and journalism

Congressmen and journalism

Famous phrases