No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeCosta RicaFreedom of the Press Concerns Rise as Costa Rica Pulls Media Ads

Freedom of the Press Concerns Rise as Costa Rica Pulls Media Ads

The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) expressed its concern and disapproval over the decision of Kölbi, the commercial brand of the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE), to withdraw its advertising from the program El Chinamo, produced by local media company Teletica.

Kölbi’s action was announced in disagreement with the content of the section “El Chinaoke,” a space that critically satirizes various aspects of national problems. Its format, based on musical parodies, employs humor and irony to discuss the topics covered. The segment, which has addressed issues such as the insecurity crisis, the rising cost of living, and allegations of corruption, uses critical humor and satire to highlight realities affecting the Costa Rican population.

Kölbi’s rationale for withdrawing the advertisement is based on the assertion that such content is “not in line with the values” of the brand, which it claims does not wish to be associated with “situations in which violence is implicitly or explicitly promoted or exposed, discrimination, crime, or parody of the suffering of victims.”

The administration of President Chaves has spoken out against the criticism expressed by the program. However, this type of satire has been a fundamental aspect of the program for many years, regardless of the government and politicians in power.

“The decision not only constitutes an act of indirect censorship but also represents state interference in the editorial line of the media, contrary to democratic principles and freedom of expression,” said IAPA President José Roberto Dutriz.

The measure, to which Banco Popular—whose board of directors is controlled by the Executive Branch—adhered, contravenes Principle 6 of the IAPA’s Declaration of Chapultepec, which states that “the media and journalists should not be discriminated against or favored because of what they write or say,” and Principle 7, which warns that “the granting or suppression of government advertising should not be used to reward or punish the media or journalists.”

Carlos Jornet, second vice-president of the IAPA and chairman of the organization’s Committee on Freedom of the Press and Information, stated that “it is concerning that the measure resembles practices of authoritarian governments, where public resources are used to manipulate editorial lines.”

Trending Now

El Salvador Schools Enforce Military-Style Uniform Inspections

El Salvador's public schools will start enforcing daily inspections for students' uniforms and haircuts from August 20, as ordered by the new education minister,...

President Chaves Downplays Costa Rica’s Security Crisis Amid Record Homicides

President Rodrigo Chaves brushed off concerns about Costa Rica's surging violence during his Wednesday press conference, insisting the security situation "is not as serious"...

Costa Rica Marks National Parks Day with Free Entry This Sunday

As everyone knows by now, our country stands out for its strong focus on protecting the environment. It leads in conservation efforts, manages its...

Costa Rica’s Role in US Deportation Drama with Salvadoran Migrant

A Salvadoran man at the center of a heated US immigration battle could end up in Costa Rica if he accepts a guilty plea,...

Honduras Community Demands Justice in Environmental Murder Case

Three defendants accused of murdering an environmental activist in Honduras 11 months ago appeared before a court this Thursday for a preliminary hearing, the...

Earthquake Shakes Costa Rica’s Central Valley

An earthquake shook Costa Rica early Friday morning. The tremor occurred at 12:45 a.m. with a magnitude of 4.4. Its epicenter was located 1...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica