Both literally and metaphorically, Venezuelan journalists are feeling the heat.
Last Friday was Journalist’s Day (Dia del Periodista) in Venezuela, but this year it came in what is undeniably the most hostile environment for the press in recent memory. With 2014 becoming one of the worst years for journalists, the newsprint shortage crisis still unresolved, and the threat of more legal curbs, journalists are facing acutely tough times.
Meanwhile, the state and its communicational hegemony gave itself a nice pat in the back by giving the National Journalism Awards to Eleazar Diaz Rangel for succesfully taking down his own newspaper.
It also rewarded Interior Minister Miguel Rodriguez Torres for being “truthful,” and Nicolas Maduro himself was bequeathed with the title of “alternative communicator of the year” because… reasons.
However, there are some brave souls still making great journalistic work and getting recognition for it, like many of the former members of Cadena Capriles’ Investigation Unit. To them and to all good journalists, I hope you had a good day.
Caracas Chronicles 