Jorge Ibraín Tortoza Cruz

By Carlos Lauría

Economic and political turmoil throughout Latin America in 2002 had profound implications for the region's press. Sharp decreases in advertising revenue bankrupted many media outlets, while the failure to consolidate democratic reforms left the media vulnerable to legal and physical assault. Five journalists were killed in Latin America in 2002 for their work.

During 2002, a worsening political crisis brought Venezuela to the brink of collapse and threatened to derail democracy there. As the degradation of state institutions continued, society's extreme polarization and intolerance multiplied the risks for journalists.

By Sauro González Rodríguez

In the current battle between the Venezuelan media and President Hugo Chávez Frías, journalists are being used as ammunition.