What happens when Mexican journalists are too afraid to do their jobs because of cartel violence?
Joan Neuhaus Schaan, the Baker Institute’s fellow in homeland security and terrorism, discusses this issue in her most recent Houston Chronicle op-ed. She writes about newspapers pulling back on coverage for fear of retribution from cartels and wonders if social media will be next.
“Last year, one television company was subjected to three car bombs in the northern state of Tamaulipas. While self-censorship became the norm, journalists continued to be brutally attacked, and some sought asylum. With the silencing of the press, Mexican citizens desperately spoke out directly, through YouTube videos, blogs and other social media. But soon these may be silenced.”
Schaan also discusses the effect media silence might have on the upcoming presidential election.
What do you think?
- Read Schaan’s Nov. 2, 2011, Houston Chronicle op-ed, “Silenced press benefits Mexican cartels” and leave a comment below.