Libertad de prensa en Colombia: entre la amenaza y la manipulación.

Freedom of the press in Colombia is analyzed in this article, based on studies done by the Media Observatory at La Sabana University on news reporting during the last ten years. Taking into account the many risks Colombian journalists face in a specific setting that pits conflict against the exercise of journalism, this historical overview shows that freedom of the press remains in critical condition and its development has been negative. Journalism is threatened with death. Hounded by traditional armed actors, it now faces an additional risk factor posed by government security forces. Moreover, illegal groups have associated with politicians in certain regions to counter the media, and national, regional and local government administrations - which should ensure absolute respect for freedom of the press - have become a destabilizing factor through pressure and subtle manipulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]