IAPA Midyear Meeting. April 23 - 24, 2026.
With the inauguration of Rodrigo Paz as President on November 8, a nearly two-decade cycle of governments led by Evo Morales (2006–2019) and Luis Arce (2020–2025) came to an end. This period was characterized by restrictive practices against press freedom, including censorship, persecution of journalists and critical media, and economic pressure on independent news organizations.
As a result, self-censorship and a climate of caution persist among both citizens and journalists, who face the challenge of fully restoring their watchdog role. The media sector remains weakened, with downsized newsrooms, financial constraints, and diminished operational capacity, reflected in declining print circulation.
The media environment remains distorted by policies that promote state propaganda, including the financing of pro-government outlets and the discretionary use of official advertising to undermine editorially independent media.
During this period, the closure or transformation of traditional media outlets continued. The newspaper Página Siete ceased operations on June 29, 2023, after 13 years in circulation. El Día suspended its print edition following the pandemic and continues in digital format. More recently, on March 22, the Cochabamba-based newspaper Opinión announced the indefinite suspension of its print edition after 41 years, maintaining its operations online.
Timeline of key events:
On October 16, the National Press Association (ANP) rejected partisan restrictions on journalistic work in the context of the October 19 runoff election, following a political party’s attempt to require accreditation for journalists covering the vote. The ANP also warned about the Supreme Electoral Tribunal’s intention to impose fines of up to USD 14,000 for violations related to the dissemination of propaganda.
On November 19, the ANP expressed concern over a proposed social media regulation introduced by pro-government lawmakers, warning it could affect freedom of expression and journalistic activity.
On January 6, demonstrators linked to protests by the Bolivian Workers’ Central (COB) assaulted citizens in La Paz and attacked television reporters.
On February 5, groups involved in the illegal stockpiling of liquefied petroleum gas attacked journalists from the television channel Red Uno while they were covering operations against fuel smuggling.
On February 24, Vice President Edmand Lara obtained a second court ruling ordering a lawyer to remove social media posts accusing him of receiving donations from a Chinese businessman linked to gold mining. Previously, an activist was also ordered by the courts to remove content alleging corruption by the official.
On February 27, a reporter was injured by demonstrators in the city of El Alto while covering incidents related to a crashed military aircraft. On the same day, an international press correspondent was assaulted by a police chief who obstructed journalistic coverage at the scene.
On March 19, the ANP welcomed the reactivation of the Access to Public Information and Documentation bill in the Chamber of Deputies’ Plural Justice Committee, and its upcoming legislative review.
