One factor that has helped the socialist
dictatorship of Nicolas Maduro survive in Venezuela is the strong support of
much of the media. Cesar Batiz, editor-in-chief of El Pitazo, monitored the
country’s TV news channels over the past month and found their coverage had
certain things in common. He tells Al Jazeera, “The channels gave more airtime
to government spokespeople criticizing the demonstrations than to voices from
the opposition.” But at rallies supporting the government, the government and
the attendees were interviewed but the opposition was not. This government-friendly approach isn’t the
result of government minders controlling what goes on air, much of it is
self-censorship by journalists who are very aware their careers (and freedom)
could be at stake if they go too far in their criticism of the regime. More…
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