Journalists in Venezuela are being harassed – What’s really happening?

Journalists in Venezuela are being harassed and obstructed as they cover what has become a highly disputed presidential election. César López Linares reports that press freedom groups have documented at least 12 attacks on journalists and 41 violations. This includes detentions, deportations and threats.

Ahead of the election, Katherine Pennacchio found that Venezuelan outlets were preparing for the possibility of information blackouts or widespread misinformation. Efecto Cocuyo and other digital platforms were collaborating to provide timely and comprehensive coverage.

In Guatemala, journalist José Ruben Zamora has now been detained for two years. As Silvia Higuera reports, his detention has been marked by alleged torture and legal irregularities. The newspaper he founded, el Periódico, closed its doors during his imprisonment.

Across Latin America, digital native news organizations are navigating a range of challenges. More digital native news outlets stopped publishing this past year than in any year since 2015. Buenos Aires-based media incubator SembraMedia’s tally shows this. Carolina de Assis has the story.

And, finally, André Duchiade asked three media consultants for advice on how media organizations can create products that better engage audiences. Their recommendations include reconsidering what products audiences want, conducting new research and being willing to adjust.