Q COSTARICA — During the elections cycle that began on October 1, the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE) – elections tribunal – has rules that the news service of the National Radio and Television System (SINART) – State television – that it cannot serve as a broadcasting platform for President Rodrigo Chaves’ so-called “press conferences” or for events highlighting his administration’s achievements.
However, in compliance with its journalistic function, the SINART is permitted to report on what happens at press conferences or events using recorded or live excerpts.
This is in response to a query made by Hellen Zúñiga, Director of News for SINART, who on September 24 asked how to proceed in response to the TSE’s order to the Executive Branch to refrain from using its platforms to broadcast government programs that could favor the government’s image and, therefore, the ruling party movement in the run-up to the February elections.
The TSE’s response to Zúñiga is based on the fact that SINART is a state-owned public company, “whose share capital and control are 100% owned by the State and which is governed by an Executive Council, composed of a majority of individuals directly appointed by the Executive Branch.” Therefore, it must abide by the prohibitions established in Article 142 of the Electoral Code regarding government propaganda during campaigns leading up to elections, such as the one that began on October 1.
These prohibitions are what prompted President Rodrigo Chaves to target the TSE, claiming they want to “gag” him.
Zúñiga chose to consult with the TSE to figure out the right way to proceed and now understands that it’s journalistic judgment that should decide what news is important and how it’s covered across the different SINART newscasts. At the same time, she recognizes it can’t just act as a mouthpiece for government actions on broadcast or digital platforms.
This would “denaturalize the informative nature of the news program Trece Noticias” and its related programs, according to the TSE’s response, which does authorize other news stories that include government content if they do not violate the aforementioned Article 142.
As part of the resolution, the TSE cites a 2017 ruling it issued in light of the proximity of the 2018 elections, in which it indicated that two SINART programs could be praising the work of the then-governing government in favor of the ruling party.
Source link
Rico
