Baja California Governor Highlights Press Freedom and Transparency Ahead of Mexico’s Freedom of Expression Day

-Editorial  

In advance of Mexico’s Freedom of Expression Day, observed annually on June 7, the Government of Baja California hosted a special gathering honoring journalists, publishers, editors, and media professionals from across the region. The event, held at Salón Teotihuacán in Mexicali, brought together prominent members of the press and public officials to recognize the essential role of journalism in a democratic society.

The commemoration began with a keynote conference titled “Journalism: Risks of Extinction and How to Overcome It,” delivered by Roberto Rock, former president of the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) and director of the Mexican digital news outlet La Silla Rota. During his presentation, Rock addressed the challenges facing modern journalism, including economic pressures, declining public trust, technological disruption, and increasing threats against journalists throughout Latin America.

Journalism remains one of the most dangerous professions in the world, particularly in Mexico. According to international press freedom organizations, Mexico continues to rank among the deadliest countries for journalists outside active war zones. Reporters covering organized crime, corruption, politics, and public security frequently face threats, harassment, and violence. These conditions have led media advocacy groups to repeatedly call for stronger protections and greater accountability in crimes committed against members of the press.

Freedom of Expression Day in Mexico traces its origins to 1951, when newspaper publishers and journalists established June 7 as a date to recognize the importance of free speech, independent journalism, and the constitutional right of citizens to receive information. Since then, the occasion has served as an opportunity to reflect on both the achievements and challenges of the profession.

During the event, Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda underscored the importance of press freedom, government transparency, and professional journalism, emphasizing that a free and independent press is fundamental to democratic governance.

“We cannot conceive of a democracy without a free press, without a critical and vigilant press that oversees what we do,” Ávila Olmeda said. “Today we gather to reaffirm a shared commitment to building a society where truth has space, where criticism is welcomed, and where transparency is not a favor, but an obligation of the state.”

The governor noted that public institutions have a responsibility to guarantee access to information and maintain accountability to citizens. She described Baja California as a state with a rich journalistic tradition and highlighted the contributions of reporters whose work has earned national and international recognition for professionalism, courage, and investigative rigor.

Ávila Olmeda also expressed respect for journalists working under increasingly complex circumstances, acknowledging the challenges of covering government affairs, politics, and public issues in an era of rapidly evolving information technologies.

“To all of you who carry the responsibility of informing society in difficult times, we express our deepest respect and admiration,” she said.

Throughout her remarks, the governor emphasized that criticism is an essential component of public service and democratic accountability. She stated that government officials must remain open to scrutiny and maintain transparent communication with the media.

“We accept criticism, and I believe you know that,” she said. “We respond with seriousness and always with respect for your profession and your questions.”

A significant portion of her address focused on journalism’s role in the digital age. While social media platforms have expanded public participation and accelerated the flow of information, she warned that the same technologies have also amplified misinformation, disinformation, and unverified content.

Referencing Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Ávila Olmeda emphasized the importance of reliable information in an increasingly crowded digital environment.

“Today, in the era of transformation, that right is exercised more than ever before,” she said. “We live in a vast digital public square where millions of voices speak at the same time.”

She noted that while virtually anyone with a smartphone can now disseminate information, professional journalism remains indispensable because of its commitment to verification, context, ethical standards, and accountability.

“Professional, ethical and rigorous journalism is indispensable,” she said. “It is the democratic counterweight to disinformation, the filter of truth, and a pillar of a more open and informed society.”

The governor also praised journalists for continuing to investigate and report on complex, sensitive, and often overlooked issues despite mounting challenges facing the profession. She acknowledged that positive developments frequently receive less attention than negative news but emphasized that accurate reporting in all forms contributes to public understanding.

“Thank you for questioning us when necessary, and thank you for telling stories that others might prefer to ignore,” she said.

Ávila Olmeda further highlighted her administration’s ongoing engagement with the press through weekly briefings and regular interactions with reporters, describing communication with journalists as a fundamental responsibility of public office.

“We meet almost every week, and we also cross paths in many public events,” she said. “It is my responsibility as a public servant to respond to your questions, even when they are complex.”

Concluding her remarks, the governor reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to transparency, openness, accountability, and the protection of press freedoms.

“We will continue opening doors, answering questions, and rendering accounts and results,” she said. “A strong press makes for a better government.”

The celebration concluded with a luncheon honoring attendees and provided an opportunity for journalists, publishers, media executives, and government representatives to exchange perspectives on the future of journalism and the ongoing defense of freedom of expression in Mexico.