Polarisation in Bolivia affects everybody - from the media to the poor man in the street. Photo: Finn Rasmussen/IMS

Violent attack against TV station in Bolivia is one of several recent incidents that indicates an escalating crisis in the media sector due to the growing political divide

In recent months, the circumstances under which media in Bolivia operate, have continued to deteriorate. On a visit to Bolivia to meet partners, IMS staffer Finn Rasmussen witnessed the media reaction following a violent attack on one of the many tv stations in the country.

Coinciding with his arrival in Bolivia, Channel Four in Yacuiba in the province of Tarija was attacked by two men who threw a bomb at the station as they drove by shortly before dawn on 21 June.

Fortunately no one was injured, but the TV station suffered serious material damages. An army lieutenant was later arrested and charged with allegations of terrorist acts and for possessing explosives together with 11 other men.

Around the time of the attack, someone launched a video message on the Youtube site on the Internet encouraging people to use violent means to stop the TV station. One streamer said:

"Unitel is a right-wing channel that is always against the people of Bolivia. They have to go. Media in Bolivia is run by foreign interests. Throw a bomb against the TV station before they get a chance to leave."

- These are some of the extreme means, that are put into use in the growing polarized atmosphere characterizing Bolivian society and media today, explains Finn Rasmussen.

Media accused of taking sides in political battle

The attack on Channel Four happened just days, before a planned referendum in the Province of Tarija concerning handing over greater autonomy to the provincial authorities from the central government. The TV network Unitel which owns Channel Four, is perceived to be a media in support of the demand for greater autonomy to the provinces. Therefore, the attack is widely seen as a reaction to the political statements conveyed by the TV station.

Media are increasingly seen by the public to take sides and support one or the other flank in the question regarding granting autonomy to the provinces or not. In people's views, the Channel Four incident may therfore be seen as a reaction to the growing political polarization in Bolivia and how the political atmosphere seems to be increasingly affecting the media.

The former director of Unitel, José Pomacusi has denied any allegations suggesting that it should be affiliated with any specific political position. In an interview with Bolivian media, he said:

"Unitel is a provocative channel that presents news the hard and direct way. We have always had grievances with the government accusing us of being in opposition to it. The current government calls Unitel an enemy of the government. But the more the president attacks us, the more viewers we get."