Referendum threatens press freedom in Ecuador
President Correa: With a referendum approaching that may restrict news content and weaken news media companies, we are deeply concerned about Ecuador’s commitment to freedom of expression. The vote, scheduled for May 7, will ask Ecuadorans several questions on a range of issues. The 10-point ballot includes, among other things, creation of a council to regulate media content and a prohibition against media companies having holdings in other industries.
Attacks on the Press 2010: Ecuador
Top Developments • Journalists attacked, broadcasters censored during police uprising. • Correa administration orders broadcasters to air official rebuttals. Key Statistic 6: Hours during which broadcasters were told to suspend programming, carry state news reports on police revolt. President Rafael Correa’s administration used censorship powers throughout the year to supplant independent news and commentary. Authorities…
Ecuadoran sports reporter beaten, threatened
New York, December 7, 2010–Ecuadoran authorities must fully investigate a vicious attack against sports reporter Guido Manolo Campaña, who was abducted, beaten, and threatened while on assignment in the northern coastal province of Esmeraldas, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.
Ecuador, facing police revolt, censors news coverage
New York, October 1, 2010–As a police rebellion threw Ecuador into chaos on Thursday, the government of President Rafael Correa ordered local radio and TV stations to interrupt programming and carry state news broadcasts. A dozen reporters were injured covering the police revolt. Today, the Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the government’s censorship of broadcast…
Attacks on the Press 2009: Ecuador
Top Developments • Correa assails news media, and regulators target critical outlets. • Media legislation could restrict freedom of expression. Key Statistic 3: Days that regulators ordered Teleamazonas off the air. Re-elected by a landslide in April, President Rafael Correa intensified his attacks on critical news media, calling them ignorant and deceitful. As Correa used…
Ecuadoran president threatens action against critical media
New York, June 4, 2009–The opening of two government investigations into private television network Teleamazonas and threats of legal action by Ecuadoran President Rafael Correa against critical media outlets are an attempt by the government to stifle dissent, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.
Critical journalist shot to death in Guayaquil
New York, June 23, 2008—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Ecuadorian authorities to investigate the death of Raúl Rodríguez Coronel, who was shot to death this morning in Guayaquil. CPJ is investigating all possible links between Rodríguez’s work as a journalist and his death. Rodríguez, news vice president and host of the daily news…
Attacks on the Press 2007: Ecuador
ECUADOR President Rafael Correa regularly bashed the news media after taking office in January, reflecting increasing tensions between his young socialist government and the powerful business groups that control the country’s media. Correa immediately called for a new constitution that would expand the power of the executive branch, loosen term limits, and allow for greater…