Mass media in Bolivia

In the mass media in Bolivia there are nearly 200 privately owned television stations, but because rural regions of the country have few televisions and television reception is poor in many areas of the country, radio remains an important news disseminator.[1] As of 2006, Bolivia had more than 480 radio stations, most of which were regional in scope.[1] Bolivia also has eight national newspapers, in addition to many local ones.[1] Of the national papers, four are based in La Paz, three in Santa Cruz, and one in Cochabamba.[1] As of 2006, most Bolivians continued to get their news from newspapers and radio broadcasts.[1]

The Bolivian constitution protects freedom of the press and speech.[1] Most newspapers take antigovernment positions.[1] Both state-owned and privately owned radio stations operate without government censorship.[1] Some restrictions do exist, however.[1] The Penal Code demands jail time for those persons found guilty of slandering, insulting, or defaming public officials.[1] In particular, the president, vice president, and ministers are protected by the Penal Code.[1] Those charged with violating press standards are brought before the independent La Paz Press Tribunal.[1]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Country Profile: Bolivia" (PDF). Federal Research Division, Library of Congress. January 2006. Retrieved November 5, 2020. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)