Balanced News: Venezuelan Media Say Hostility Makes Coverage Harder

Venezuelan media outlets are facing increasing challenges in providing independent journalism due to accusations of promoting a “hate campaign” or facing “selective repression” from President Nicolas Maduro’s administration. Critics of the government are often targeted, leading to aggression, forced detention, and censorship. Free speech organizations have accused Maduro’s government of using restrictive policies to reduce the media ecosystem. In 2022, there were 261 documented violations related to censorship and acts of intimidation, and in 2023, more than 60 cases of media work being criminalized or smeared were recorded. The press is described as “shackled” and facing financial difficulties, with advertisers withdrawing support due to fear of the authoritarian regime.