Video Shows Mexican Drug Lord Paying Journalists for 'Good Press' Manuel Rueda - Fusion
go to original September 23, 2014

A new video showing two influential Mexican reporters taking wads of cash from a notorious drug lord suggests the long tendrils of cartel influence have established a grip in the country's journalism industry, as has been rumored for years.

The video, which was published yesterday by Mexican news site MVS, shows two reporters from Mexico’s troubled Michoacan state appearing to accept money from one of the country’s most wanted drug lords, Servando Gomez, leader of the Knights Templar Cartel. The men then discuss a “communication strategy” to improve the cartel's image and are heard asking for trucks and cameras.

The handoff occurs at the 22:56 mark



Cartels have long intimidated Mexican journalists, and even killed reporters who ignored their threats. This video suggests that organized crime is also trying to buy off journalists, creating a new brand of narco-journalism.

“The risks for journalists in Mexico are no longer just falling prey to violence or intimidation, but also becoming complicit with criminal groups,” Alejandro Hope, a Mexican drug war analyst told Fusion.

In the 25-minute recording — of unknown origin — the drug kingpin known as "La Tuta," (the teacher) complains about the negative press that some Mexican reporters have given his criminal group, and asks the two journalists for suggestions on ways to “improve” media coverage of his cartel.

Read the rest at Fusion

Photo: Hans Neleman/Getty Images

We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!