Analyses and data chart press freedom conditions throughout the region. Carlos Lauría describes the rise of state media as a powerful propaganda tool. Mike O’Connor exposes Mexico’s failed efforts to combat deadly violence against the press.
Americas
Analysis
How does one negotiate the choice to stay and report potentially dangerous news, rather than take a less risky assignment, leave the profession, or flee the country? The recipients of the 2011 International Press Freedom Awards explain.
Analysis
In some Latin American countries, state-owned media are used not only for propaganda but as platforms to smear critics, including journalists. Leaders are building multimedia networks to further their agendas.
Analysis
The president promised to defend journalists with a federal protection program, a special prosecutor, and new legislation making anti-press violence a federal crime. He has failed at nearly every turn.
Analysis
Coverage of street protests grows ever risky. The journalist security field also confronts sexual violence, organized crime, and digital vulnerability.
Americas
Imprisoned by Year
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2011
2008
Regional Data
8
Journalists Killed in 2011
84
Journalists In Exile 2001-11
140
Journalists Killed Since 1992
0
Imprisoned on December 1, 2011
94
Unsolved Journalist Murders Since 1992
11
Missing as of December 31, 2011
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Colombia
5th Impunity Index ranking, reflecting a high rate of unsolved journalist murders.
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Ecuador
17 State-run news media, constituting one of the region’s largest government networks.
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Guatemala
3 Members of the Zetas arrested for hanging public banners threatening journalists.
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Mexico
3 Journalists killed in direct relation to their work. Another four were slain in unclear circumstances.
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Peru
4 Reporters, editors convicted of criminal defamation. One was jailed for 193 days.
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United States
20 Journalists arrested or assaulted while covering Occupy demonstrations.
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Venezuela
82 Days that a publisher was imprisoned for a piece satirizing the administration.
Country reports in this chapter were researched and written by CPJ Research Associate Sara Rafsky, with reporting by Senior Program Coordinator Carlos Lauría.