Award-winning Argentine journalist Pedro Brieger has become the latest victim of a media crackdown, announcing Thursday that his contract with state-owned TV Publica will not be renewed.
IN DEPTH:
Brieger, who has worked for the station for 12 years, made the announcement during a live news report.
“There are a lot of rumors circulating about my situation,” he told audiences.
“I would like to tell you that the authorities have informed me that they do not want me to continue in this news network. My sole commitment is to you and to providing quality information with intellectual honesty.
“I am not sure how much longer I will continue in this program.”
The editor of Nodal, an independent online magazine, has also lost his position with Argentina’s National Radio station.
News of the Brieger’s imminent dismissal has been met with widespread outrage with notable academics rallying behind the investigative journalist.
Eminent Spanish political scientist Juan Carlos Monedero condemned the decision on Twitter as “part of Macri’s persecution of journalists.”
ANALYSIS:
Marcri Aims to Solidify Argentina's Media Monopoly with Reforms
After gaining power in November 2015, President Macri introduced controversial reforms to the country's Media Law,
dismantling the state-run media watchdog AFSCA and eliminating the cap on how many media organizations a single entity can own.
Since then, the government has suspended and dismissed numerous independent journalists and media networks.
Shortly after the election win, the government announced it would take off the air the program “6,7,8.”, a program offering social and poltical critique
The next month, the government ordered the immediate suspension of Senate TV.
In March 2016, the television program “Economic Policy” by Roberto Navarro was cancelled after promoting a special analysis on President Macri’s relationship to businessman Nicolas Caputo.
In that same month, the government announced it would withdraw its stake ownership in the multi-state network teleSUR, effectively gagging coverage from the regional station.
Brieger’s announcement also follows renewed protests for the release of Indigenous leader Milagro Sala, considered "the first political prisoner” of Macri’s government.