By Juan S. Larrosa-Fuentes (December 23, 2024)<\/p>\n
This is the second part of the analysis of Enrique Alfaro\u2019s term in office regarding public communication. On this occasion, I will focus on the tensions experienced between the media and the state government, as well as between journalists and public officials.<\/p>\n
This administration marked a significant change in the relationship between the governor and local media outlets. Overall, it was a contentious and tense period, something not seen in recent administrations in Jalisco. I identify two key elements that explain these tensions.<\/p>\n
The first element is the breakdown of the governance pact with traditional media. As I mentioned in my previous commentary, there was a reduction in the purchase of official advertising and in subsidies that the state government used to allocate to local media. This significantly impacted the economy of these outlets, many of which downsized their newsrooms and limited their news coverage. This transformation strained the relationship between the government and the media, as some outlets adopted a more critical stance, particularly on sensitive issues such as security and transparency, where the government\u2019s results were less than favorable. This critical coverage angered the governor and led to the second point: confrontation with journalists.<\/p>\n
During this administration, the relationship between the government and the media shifted from an institutional dynamic to a personal and, at times, confrontational one between the governor and journalists. On numerous occasions, Enrique Alfaro was documented mistreating, insulting, and publicly discrediting the work of journalists during press conferences, events, and rallies. This created a hostile environment for journalism, especially in a country like Mexico, where journalists face high levels of vulnerability. Mexico ranks first in journalist homicides among nations not officially at war, and attacks on the press occur frequently and often go unpunished.<\/p>\n
We hope that in this new term, the state government adopts a more open attitude toward dialogue, criticism, and the construction of a new governance pact with the media and public administration.<\/p>\n
To achieve this, first, it requires serenity and composure. This will enable dialogue with the media and the strength to accept criticism of the government.<\/p>\n
Second, and more challenging, it must rebuild the governance pact with the media. This pact should not be based on the discretionary and opaque distribution of public resources to private companies, but rather on an open, transparent, and forward-thinking public policy that allows local journalism to thrive as a professional activity providing a public good to society.<\/p>\n
This concludes my commentary. I wish all listeners of NTR Radio a very Merry Christmas. Thank you.<\/p>\n
This text was originally read on NTR Radio\u2019s news program broadcast on December 23, 2024, and hosted by journalist Sergio Ren\u00e9 de Dios Corona.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"