New superintendent will consider complaints against media

Carlos Ochoa

The first task of the new superintendent of Information and Communication, Carlos Ochoa will receive a dozen cases of citizens and public and private entities seeking clarification and correction to information published by the media.

The regulator of the entity, Patricio Barriga, said that despite the agency’s mission is not to resolve such requests, several citizens made ​​complaints. “In most cases, the media have exercised their duty, as the Communications Act, to establish areas for replies or correction,” said Barriga.

Additionally the regulator of the entity said that every January 15, the press must present to Ochoa an action plan that aims to improve the conditions for access and to exercise the rights of communication of persons with a disability be it auditory or visual.

Due to the election of Ochoa, the National Union of Journalists (UNP), said through a statement that they will remain alert of the Superintendent actions.

The creation of such an entity has been questioned by the UNP “for being a prosecuting entity for journalists and media, with powers of surveillance, control and of punitive nature, that exceeds the international standards on freedom of expression.” Additionally they told reporters to continue their work with “honesty and without fear.”