Argentina: Milei Shuts Down 80-Year-Old State News Agency
Shutdown part of President Milei’s broader campaign to overhaul or eliminate state-run agencies
Location: Argentina, Buenos Aires
Date: March 4, 2024
Women Press Freedom expresses deep concern over the Argentine government's closure of Telam on Monday. The abrupt closure of the 80-year-old state news agency, as ordered by President Javier Milei, marks a critical assault on press freedom and a blatant act of censorship. Describing Telam as a mere "propaganda mouthpiece" for previous administrations, without considering its role in delivering news across Argentina, is gross misinformation that undermines the complex landscape of media freedom and democracy. The justification for this closure, cited as financial losses and an attempt to streamline state expenditure, does not excuse the severe implications for free speech, press freedom, and the broader democratic process in Argentina. The action taken against Telam, involving the sudden barring of employees from their workplace and the cessation of its operations, is not only an attack on the agency itself but also on the journalists, staff, and the communities they serve. Such measures threaten the diversity of voices and the plurality of media which are essential for a healthy democracy. Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with the journalists, staff, and supporters of Telam. We urge President Milei to reconsider this decision, recognizing the importance of a free and diverse press in sustaining democracy. This involves not only keeping Telam operational but also ensuring it can function with editorial independence, free from political interference. The future of democracy in Argentina depends on the preservation of its institutions that support transparency, accountability, and the free exchange of ideas.
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During a press briefing on Monday, March 4, Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni announced that Telam, the state news agency with an eight-decade history, would undergo a seven-day suspension period with continued payment for staff. This decision is part of the government's ongoing efforts to finalize the shutdown of the agency, which was prompted by President Milei's declaration of Telam's closure during his address at the opening of Congress on Friday, March 1. In his speech, President Milei criticized Telam's historical role as a tool for "Kirchnerist propaganda," referencing the leftist political ideology associated with former President Cristina Kirchner and her late husband, Nestor.
"It is immoral that in a poor country like ours, the government spends the people's money to buy the will of journalists,” said Milei.
Adorni stressed that the decision was not linked to freedom of expression or press freedom, citing estimated losses of up to 20 billion pesos ($23 million) that Telam incurred in 2024. However, he did not provide specific details regarding these financial losses.
Journalist Tomas Eliaschev of Telam recounted receiving an email in the early hours of Monday morning notifying employees of the suspension, signaling the abrupt halt in operations.
Eliaschev, who also serves as a press union representative, lamented the government's swift actions to cordon off two agency buildings and deploy law enforcement, characterizing the move as a "brutal decision.
Protests erupted outside Telam's central Buenos Aires headquarters on Monday, drawing attention to the agency's significance in reporting on events in remote provinces such as Santiago del Estero or Tierra del Fuego.
Established in April 1945 by labor secretary Juan Domingo Peron, Telam is a vital news source, producing over 500 national news articles and 200 photos daily, alongside multimedia content for various platforms.
In February, the government unveiled plans to "modify" the structure of all state media entities, including Telam and national television and radio stations, as part of broader reforms.
Milei, a political outsider and self-proclaimed "anarcho-capitalist," secured a decisive electoral triumph last year on a platform of addressing Argentina's enduring economic crises, marked by staggering inflation rates nearing 250%. His agenda includes cutting state spending, deregulating the economy, and dismantling government-funded organizations deemed redundant.
The Association of Foreign Correspondents of Argentina emphasized the significance of the state news agency in maintaining a balanced and accessible media landscape. They stated that if there were issues to be addressed, Telam should be reformed rather than completely shut down.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the sudden closure of Telam by the Argentine government. This act of censorship represents a severe violation of media freedom and democratic principles. We wholeheartedly support protests by Telam's staff in their fight to uphold press freedom and the integrity of independent media. We call for an immediate reversal of this decision. The closure of Telam sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the fabric of democracy and restricts freedom of expression in Argentina. President Milei must respect the fundamental principles of a free press and allow Telam to continue its essential role in providing news and information to the Argentine public.
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