InterMedia has conducted research and analysis in Latin and South America, from Venezuela, Argentina and Bolivia to Haiti, El Salvador, Cuba, Colombia and Peru. This includes work on behalf of the BBC and other international broadcasters, as well as the World Bank.
Latin American media has always reflected the struggle between repressive and democratic forces. In some places, communication across and between sectors reflects government priorities—media are used as propaganda tools to manipulate and control populations. In other regions, the media serve to uncover abuses, promote democracy and protect the rights of citizens. On one end of this scale lies countries like Chile, which boasts a free, independent and largely privately owned media. At the other extreme is Cuba, where there is no independent media, and communication of all types is severely restricted by the government. In the middle, countries such as Peru and Bolivia find their freedom to get and distribute information varies depending on the current political environment.
Like elsewhere around the globe, new technologies—the internet, cell phones and SMS—are increasingly popular. The difference, however, is that in Latin America use of these technologies among those with low incomes is rising nearly as quickly as it is for the wealthiest. There is much narrower digital divide between the rich and poor there than anywhere else in the developing world.
Aneta Genova is Regional Research Manager for Latin America.