Lugo-Ocando, J orcid.org/0000-0002-9533-2088 (2011) Silence by Stealth: Freedom of the Press and Polarization in Latin America. Report. Western Hemisphere Security Analysis Center , Miami, FL.
Abstract
The weak democratic systems that followed decades of military dictatorships in Latin America coupled with the emergence of new authoritarian regimes of the left have had a significant impact on the relationships between the governments and the media. The new populist leaders have challenged the media that have generally reflected the perspectives of the traditional elites. This ideological clash has renewed direct and indirect censorship, curtailing freedom of expression and thus, freedom of the press.
In this context, this paper discusses the mechanisms used by Latin American governments, particularly the new authoritarianism of the left, to silence dissident voices. Many of these mechanisms are legal, found in laws related to personal injury and defamation. Others have been of constitutional nature, invoking states of emergency or national security concerns. Some governments have used institutional means to close down newspapers and other sources of information.
Current media conditions in Latin America show growing polarization. This has led to considerable levels of violence and intimidation against editors, journalists, and news crews in several countries. It is precisely this type of deterioration of fundamental rights that leads to questioning the strength and sustainability of Latin American democracies.
Metadata
Item Type: | Monograph |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Keywords: | Venezuela; Media; News; Freedom of speech; Journalism; Polarisation; Hugo Chavez; Chavismo |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures (Leeds) > School of Media & Communication (Leeds) The University of Leeds > Faculty of Performance, Visual Arts and Communications (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 12 Aug 2019 13:56 |
Last Modified: | 12 Aug 2019 13:56 |
Published Version: | http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/whemsac/38/ |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Western Hemisphere Security Analysis Center |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:97800 |