The Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones (CRT) approved new general guidelines to protect the rights of audiences on Wednesday [1].
These regulations establish a framework for accountability in broadcasting, aiming to ensure that viewers and listeners have clear mechanisms to challenge content and demand transparency from media outlets.
The guidelines focus on several core pillars of media consumption. These include the veracity of information, the clear differentiation between advertising and editorial content, and the separation of news from opinion [1], [3]. The CRT also included mandates for the protection of minors, non-discrimination, accessibility, and the right of reply [1], [3].
The regulatory body developed these rules following a public consultation process that saw 8,889 participations [1]. While the CRT said that these measures do not imply censorship, the guidelines introduce specific procedural requirements for handling audience grievances [2].
Under the new system, audience members have seven days to present a formal complaint [2]. Once a complaint is filed, the media ombudsman has a maximum of 20 days to provide a response [2]. These timelines are designed to create a predictable schedule for dispute resolution between the public and broadcasting companies.
The approval took place in Mexico City, marking a shift in how the regulator oversees the relationship between media providers and the public [1].
“The guidelines focus on several core pillars of media consumption.”
This regulatory move signals a transition toward more structured oversight of Mexican broadcasting. By codifying the distinction between news and opinion and setting strict deadlines for complaints, the CRT is attempting to standardize journalistic accountability without implementing direct state censorship. The success of these guidelines will depend on the enforcement capacity of the media ombudsman to hold large networks accountable to the 20-day response window.
