IAPA celebrates Mexican media alliance in favor of freedom of expression

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) on Tuesday (31) celebrated the creation in Mexico of the Alianza de Medios Mx, an association of thirteen media groups and media outlets in this country that aims to “defend freedom of expression and combat impunity.”

“We welcome and congratulate the timely formation of the Alianza de Medios Mx. Through this joint effort of solidarity and union, we will have the strength to continue fighting for freedom of expression and against impunity for attacks against journalists and the media,” IAPA President Jorge Canahuati said in a press release.

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In a public statement, the alliance said that “the spirit” that motivates them is none other than, in addition to those mentioned above, that of “urging greater closeness with the community we serve, and opening spaces for reflection on the various challenges facing our sector, in all its areas and platforms.”

The Alianza de Medios Mx, which set up its own web page, informed that it would publish “special investigations and other materials to bring cases of manifest impunity to the attention of public opinion.” It will also offer tools and guidance for journalists and the media to file complaints. It emphasized that it has “no political or partisan affiliation” and “does not intend to compete with anybody.”

Mexico is one of the most violent countries in the world for journalists. There are numerous murders, aggressions, and intimidations against the press by organized crime and authorities every year.

According to the NGO, 142 journalists have been murdered since 2000 in possible relation to their work. Of these, 22 occurred during the term of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who took office on December 1, 2018.

The current president of Mexico, who holds daily press conferences, has been singled out by the IAPA for his constant criticism of and insults against the critical press.

Participating in the initiative are El Universal, Proceso, Eje Central, El Heraldo de México, Organización Editorial Mexicana (OEM), La Silla Rota, Publimetro, El Dictamen, Político MX, Vanguardia, El Economista, Debate and the National Chamber of the Radio and Television Industry (CIRT).

The Alliance expects steady incorporation of new members in the coming months, according to IAPA, headquartered in Miami (Florida, USA).