Mexican Journalist Fired

Carmen Aristegui, one of Mexico's best-known journalists, was recently fired from her radio show by a broadcaster. This has set off a controversy about press freedom and expression.

One of the country's most famous investigative journalists, Aristegui was known for targeting top public figures. When listeners tuned into her morning radio program, they heard this message: "MSV Radio does not accept Carmen Aristegui's ultimatum".

Aristegui had demanded that two reporters in her investigative team be reinstated (this same team uncovered a multi-billion dollar controversy last year between Mexico's first lady and a contractor). The president denies any wrongdoing, but Aristegui insists that the firings were the result of political pressure. MSV argued that the reporters were fired for misuse of the corporate logo and resources when joining with other journalists to launch Mexico Leaks, an investigative Internet site.

The president's reputation and popularity has been declining, and Aristegui is known for her tough reporting. She stated that her investigative team won't be intimidated by the authoritarianism taking over the country.

Mexico currently ranks 148 in Reporters Without Border's 2015 Press Freedom Index. It was the deadliest country for journalists in the western hemisphere in 2014. Last year, 3 journalists were killed.

For the full story, visit NPR.org