Democratization of the media in Latin America: views from the inside and the outside

MARÍA SOLEDAD SEGURA

Congreso; Panel debate in 7th Nordic Confference on Latin American Research; 2013

First, I would like to demonstrate why it is necessary to reform the media systems in Latin America as many of the countries of the region are doing right now. That is why I will start characterizing the media systems. Then, I want to expose that these transformation processes are not only struggles between governments and the biggest media groups, because another usually unknown but key actor is also involved: the civil society organizations. Therefore, I will mention some important moments of these processes of change of communication play rules in each country. Finally, I pretend to prove that most of the broadcasting legislation changes made in Latin American countries, are following the international standards of human rights referred to communication issues.