Sheinbaum hails 'enormous democratic advance' as broadcasters accept audience rights dialogue

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has commended the National Chamber of Radio and Television Industry (CIRT) for its engagement in the public consultation process concerning audience rights, characterizing the developments as a substantial democratic leap forward. During her press conference at the National Palace, Sheinbaum reiterated her denial of censorship, asserting that Mexico is establishing a framework for audience rights that is unparalleled worldwide.

"There is no country in the world that has what Mexico is going to have," Sheinbaum declared, highlighting the unique nature of the initiative. She noted that the CIRT had issued a statement acknowledging the positive resolution of certain issues, particularly concerning fines, and accepted that while some may disagree, the overall process has been productive. She emphasized that the push for audience rights stems from citizen demand and urged for a comparative analysis of other nations' media regulations.

The CIRT, in a statement released Monday, recognized the dialogue and openness demonstrated by the authorities during the public consultation initiated by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission. The Chamber stated that significant progress has been made, providing certainty for the industry, its communicators, and the millions of listeners and viewers across the country. Key areas of agreement included the mechanism for audience defenders, ensuring their actions are based on self-regulation by each media outlet, clarifying definitions related to editorial freedom, and assessing the economic viability of Mexican media in the face of competition from social media and foreign platforms.

"We support the defense of audiences contemplated in law and are convinced that the protection of these rights, in both commercial and public use media, when well-regulated and implemented, will strengthen our democracy and the regime of freedoms," the CIRT added. President Sheinbaum insisted that media outlets must have audience defenders and adhere to codes of ethics, asserting that freedom of expression and assembly remain robust in Mexico.