Journalists as targets of hate speech: political power, media, and democracy in Mexico

Abstract

This article analyzes the repercussions of hate speech directed against journalists in Mexico, with a particular focus on the state of Veracruz, which has reported the highest number of journalist murders since the year 2000. From the perspective of the political economy of communication, it examines the discursive strategy of Rocío Nahle García, the current governor of Veracruz, who has prioritized digital platforms and discredited traditional media as part of her official communication. Based on a critical review of studies on hate speech, violence against journalists, and media concentration, the article contextualizes the use of stigmatization as a tool of political confrontation in Latin America. It identifies discursive features that support a polarizing narrative, in which critical journalism is framed as an enemy of power, consistent with the communication model promoted by former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The article argues that this strategy not only weakens the legitimacy of the media, but also increases the vulnerability of journalism by legitimizing a hostile environment toward its democratic function. Furthermore, it warns that excluding independent journalism from government communication can undermine public deliberation, open the door to censorship, and fuel disinformation. Key questions are raised about the structural impact of this model on informational freedom and the democratic system in Veracruz.