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Ourblook interview with Fabiola Torres Herrera and Alejandro Espinosa Patron, professors of communication, Universidad Autonoma del Caribe
What is the tradition of journalism in Colombia?
FTH/AEP: From colonial times, journalism has played an important role in the democratic process in Colombia. A quick look at the newspapers in circulation during the 19th and 20th centuries shows the intrinsic relationship between journalism, politics and power. During these centuries, we also begin to see a small incorporation of literature, religion, culture, and sports into journalism, which allow for more balanced
news. However, what is most prevalent is political journalism.
What is the role of government in regulating journalists and editors?
FTH/AEP: The Colombian Constitution in its Article 20 says "every individual is guaranteed the freedom to express and disseminate his/her thoughts and opinions, to transmit and receive information that is true and impartial, and to establish means of communication." As a result, media are regulated by the state following the constitution, but absolute freedom does not prevail. Journalists who follow the journalism tradition found here find that they receive more recognition by the state when they focus on political journalism.
What kind of journalism training is offered?
FTH/AEP: In Colombia, the journalist's training is led by different undergraduate and graduate programs offered at universities. The training provides strong interest in producing a journalist who does not just repeat information, but goes beyond that. That is, an analytical journalist who has an interest in investigation and who constantly cultivates new skills and competencies, which allows him/her to become a media leader and affect public opinion.
What are the main challenges to journalists in Colombia?
FTH/AEP: In Colombia, journalism is exercised with great difficulty because of the scourges that have been made visible in the various centers of power that shape the political system. Many journalistic investigations have shown the high and alarming level of corruption that plague diverse spheres of power.
The three branches that govern the state are currently undergoing many difficult situations, which call for the necessary intervention of journalists in our country. Based on the past, we can ascertain that one of our biggest challenges facing those of in the media, is to understand how to help and dignify the image of the state using the constitutional tools we have, and help create ethical systems to help Colombia become a prosperous and tolerant country, with a good social, cultural, and ethnical base.
What is the role of journalism in Colombian affairs?
FTH/AEP: Since its birth, journalism has become an ideological reference of the Colombian state, as its role has allowed it to take part in the construction of defenses of the democratic system, which benefit all citizens.
Who are the heroes of journalism in Colombia?
FTH/AEP: Those who have helped us to think. Those who, through their investigation and professionalism, have contributed toward making a better country. Those who have made news and information a point of reference, thus helping consolidate a genuine public opinion.
Where do you get your news on the U.S.?
FTH/AEP: From different conventional media (newspapers, radio and television) and the web.
What did you personally learn from your experience working as a journalist in Colombia? What surprised you?
FTH/AEP: Our profession can contribute to building a better nation, because this is the stage to develop a social fabric that unfolds and strengthens our feelings as human beings. I am amazed by the little importance placed on cultural journalism, environmental journalism, and investigative journalism. As a society, we need to place more emphasis and give more importance to these lines of journalism.
What are the three most important things you think Americans should know about Colombia?
FTH/AEP: That Colombia has good people who work tirelessly for this country, one of the most successful not only in America but the world ... that this is a land of peace ... that people can work here because there exists a valuable human resource that is capable of facing and overcoming the obstacles arising in the development of a national and international society.
(Fabiola Torres Herrera earned a master's degree in Economic Policy Studies and is the current Research Coordinator of the "Anilla Cultural de Columbia," an inter-agency project with Cintel-Renata and Ministerio de Educación Nacional.
Alejandro Alberto Espinosa Patrón earned a degree in modern languages from Atlantic College and a master's in linguistics from Universidad De Antioquia. He writes regularly for various scientific journals.)
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