President Claudia Sheinbaum said new audience rights guidelines are not censorship and will not lead to censorship in Mexico.
The dispute centers on whether the federal government is attempting to control media narratives or legitimately protect the public's right to accurate information. Critics warn that the guidelines could be used to restrict press freedom, while the administration maintains the measures are a safeguard for viewers and listeners.
Speaking Wednesday, July 29 [1], at the Salón de Tesorería in the Palacio Nacional, Sheinbaum addressed the controversy surrounding the "Derechos de las Audiencias" lineamientos. She said the assertion that the guidelines constitute censorship is "absolutely false."
Sheinbaum said that the law was approved through dialogue with the radio and television chamber to ensure audience rights. She said that the specific guidelines from the commission have not even been issued yet, as they are currently undergoing a public review process.
"No hay censura ni va a haber censura," Sheinbaum said [2].
The government introduced these guidelines to protect the public's right to information, and to prevent the spread of misinformation. To ensure transparency and public input, the federal government has opened a public consultation period [3].
A government spokesperson said the guidelines seek to guarantee audience rights and confirmed that the public consultation will remain open until Aug. 21 [3].
Legal counsel Luisa María Alcalde was also present during the proceedings. The administration continues to push for the adoption of these standards to regulate how information is delivered via radio and television, despite warnings from critics that such oversight could be weaponized against dissenting voices [3].
“"No hay censura ni va a haber censura."”
The tension between the Sheinbaum administration and media critics reflects a broader struggle over the definition of 'misinformation' versus 'censorship' in Mexico. By framing the guidelines as a protection of audience rights, the government is attempting to legitimize state oversight of broadcast media. However, the outcome of the public consultation ending August 21 will likely determine if these guidelines are viewed as a democratic tool or a mechanism for political control.
