Mexican journalists at work in the state of Oaxaca. Photo: Jesper Højberg/IMS

As Mexico enters a new decade, the country finds itself as the Americas’ most dangerous country for journalists to work in 

Having overtaken this dubious title from Colombia with 46 murders of journalists recorded by Mexico’s National Human Rights Commission in the course of the noughties, the need for coordinated action amongst local press freedom organisations to curb this negative trend is becoming increasingly apparent. As more reporters die, journalism itself is suffering and self-censorship has become a means of self-protection.

International focus on media in Mexico

International focus on Mexico’s hazardous working environment for journalists was sparked following an IMS-led international mission of 13 press freedom organisations to Mexico in 2008. The mission’s subsequent findings published in the report “Press Freedom in Mexico: The shadow of impunity and violence”, documented the lack of political will and action from authorities and media houses to address impunity. Also, the mission found that protective mechanisms for journalists were lacking and that self-censorship sparked by fear was widespread. All of these factors were seen as the main obstacles to free press in Mexico.

In December 2009, IMS Director Jesper Højberg met with local and international Mexico-based press freedom organisations to discuss ideas for a coordinated approach among the local media and press freedom organisations to these three core issues at the heart of Mexican media’s current situation with continued international support for and focus on these actions.

Perpetrators go unpunished

Between January and October 2009, 217 attacks were reportedly carried out against media workers in Mexico according to the report "Attacks on Freedom of Expression in Mexic 2009 (third quarterly bulletin) by Article 19 and the National Centre for Social Communication (Censos). However, the greater majority of those committing crimes against media workers and their families are not sentenced or even brought to trial. Of the 59 attacks recorded between June and September 2009, 71.19 per cent of the victims identified public officials as the alleged aggressors.

Mexico is also the country with the highest number of journalists who have “gone missing”, with little or no support provided to family members in search of these journalists from authorities or media employers.

Government action needed

With little backing from authorities and media outlets to address impunity or protective mechanisms for journalists as illustrated in the Censos and Article 19 report, ideas regarding measures to increase safety and protection of media and media houses were discussed at the December meeting between IMS and press freedom organisations in Mexico City.

Jesper Højberg, Executive Director of IMS, said after his visit to Mexico:

- There is a lot of existing data and statistics about the press freedom situation in Mexico, but very few concrete activities to address and alleviate the challenges facing journalists in the country. For the current situation to improve the government must be willing to act on crimes against journalists and take measures to guarantee their safety.

- But Mexican media outlets and press freedom organisations must also themselves systematically take action in setting up safety mechanisms for their reporters, Jesper Højberg emphasises. He suggests that Mexican media look to Colombia for inspiration, where a committee to protect journalists has been established involving all relevant actors within government and media.

Situation of media unimproved

Since the 2008 report was published, the situation engulfing Mexican media has not improved. According to IMS Executive Director, international and local press freedom organisations will continue to work together to turn the situation around for media workers in Mexico, although much work remains to be done.

- Local as well as international press freedom organisations must work together to ensure that we maintain focus on action-oriented activities to alleviate the immediate threats confronting media. If requested by the local organisations, a second international media mission may be proposed for autumn 2010, says Jesper Højberg.