During this period, press freedom faced significant challenges related to access to public information, restrictions on official activities, and content control in audiovisual media.
These challenges are related to the implementation of Law 200-04 on Free Access to Public Information, sanctions imposed on the media by the National Commission of Public Performances and Broadcasting (CNEPR), and potential risks associated with the amendment of the National Intelligence Directorate (DNI) Law.
In May, the Panorama Media Group denounced the Ministries of Culture and Agriculture, Edesur, and the State Sugar Council (CEA) for refusing to provide requested information.
In June, the newspaper Diario Libre reported that the Santo Domingo Aqueduct and Sewer Corporation (CAASD) took more than six months to respond to an information request.
Other media outlets, such as El Día and Listín Diario, reported resistance from officials to deliver public information, even in cases that do not involve sensitive data.
President Luis Abinader intervened on June 25, calling officials to comply with their obligations under Law 200-04. However, the media continued to report obstructions, as evidenced by a comprehensive report published by Listín Diario on June 29.
Additionally, journalists have been prevented from carrying out their work. On July 24, Listín Diario condemned an incident in which correspondents were not allowed to cover the inauguration of new pavilions for migrants in Haina.
On July 25, the Senate completed the legislative process to approve in the second reading Bill 38-24, establishing the Conscience Clause as Protection of Labor Rights in Favor of Journalists. President Abinader enacted it on August 9. This clause and professional secrecy have been included since the 2010 constitutional reform.
The CNEPR imposed sanctions on various programs and public figures for using explicit language. In June, the Sin Filtro Radio Show and urban music singer Joan Manuel Nova were sanctioned for using "excessively vulgar language" in a live broadcast.
In August, broadcaster Tamara Martínez was suspended for 30 days from radio and television because she used vulgar language on the program Fogaraté Radio Show, which was also suspended for ten days.
These actions generate debate about balancing freedom of expression and content regulation. Some sectors criticized the ambiguity of the CNEPR's criteria.
On September 19, a bill was introduced in the Senate to amend Law 1-24, which regulates the National Intelligence Directorate (DNI). Some fear that some provisions could increase government control over the media about surveillance and national security.
The draft law reforming and modernizing press freedom legislation, prepared by a consultative commission created by President Abinader, has not yet been presented to the National Congress.
