The Role of Media Communication in Perpetuating Violence Against Women Journalists in Mexico
Marquina Magana, Mariana (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120332086
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120332086
Tiivistelmä
This work focuses on understanding the role of media communication in the violence experienced by women journalists in Mexico. Although there is already much discussion about attacks on the press, what interests us here is how certain types of messages, those sent by institutions, those shared on social media, and the ‘serious’ language used in public that end up silencing journalists rather than protecting them.
For this study, the author used data from 2024 and worked with a qualitative approach using existing information. The main information came from reports found in national databases, NGOs, and various media outlets. Six cases located in various states of Mexico were reviewed: Mexico City, Puebla, Veracruz, Coahuila, Quintana Roo, and Baja California. Then everything was analysed using a qualitative content approach to understand how two things are related: what triggers everything (the report) and the violent reaction that follows (the attack).
The results show that the media is often used as a weapon against women journalists. It seems that every time they publish a hard-hitting report, they are bombarded with sexist attacks that seek to discredit them. Furthermore, several findings suggest that official forums, such as government press conferences, are used to make stigmatising comments, which then translate into more harassment on social media and even physical attacks.
The thesis shows that in Mexico, the media is a rather aggressive environment, where gender violence is used to silence those who want to report. Physical security measures are not enough to protect journalists; a major change is also needed in the way officials and institutions communicate with the press.
For this study, the author used data from 2024 and worked with a qualitative approach using existing information. The main information came from reports found in national databases, NGOs, and various media outlets. Six cases located in various states of Mexico were reviewed: Mexico City, Puebla, Veracruz, Coahuila, Quintana Roo, and Baja California. Then everything was analysed using a qualitative content approach to understand how two things are related: what triggers everything (the report) and the violent reaction that follows (the attack).
The results show that the media is often used as a weapon against women journalists. It seems that every time they publish a hard-hitting report, they are bombarded with sexist attacks that seek to discredit them. Furthermore, several findings suggest that official forums, such as government press conferences, are used to make stigmatising comments, which then translate into more harassment on social media and even physical attacks.
The thesis shows that in Mexico, the media is a rather aggressive environment, where gender violence is used to silence those who want to report. Physical security measures are not enough to protect journalists; a major change is also needed in the way officials and institutions communicate with the press.