The Bolivian government controls many newspapers. Ownership of privately owned media is highly concentrated, which jeopardises pluralism. The leading newspapers are El Deber and El Diario, while Canal Sur is the most popular TV channel. Self-censorship is one of the consequences of the ties that exist between media owners and the government.

A period of political turmoil and instability caused by President Evo Morales’ resignation and forced exile at the end of 2019, and concluded with the election of Luis Arce and his investiture in November 2020, was marked by numerous abuses against the press, including intimidation, harassment, threats, physical assaults, theft of equipment, and radio and TV censorship. The Constitutional Court’s ban on Evo Morales’ candidacy for the August 2025 presidential election has heightened tensions within the Movement for Socialism (MAS), the ruling party, which is already divided between supporters of the former and current presidents. This climate of political uncertainty directly affects journalists, who are increasingly exposed to hostile work conditions.

Journalists who are considered troublesome are regularly victims of judicial harassment. Under Supreme Decree 181, adopted in 2009, journalists who “lie,” “play party politics”, or “offend the government” may be deprived of government advertising. In addition, the Press Law of 1925 is ill-suited to the digital age, yet defended by journalist organisations for its principles of freedom of expression and self-regulation. 

Bolivia has the biggest reserves of natural resources – including natural gas and lithium – in Latin America, but it is also the region’s poorest country. Media linked to the government enjoy privileges but independent media are exposed to strong economic pressure, especially the threat of withdrawal of state advertising, which can have drastic consequences and lead to their closure. As a result, journalists face job insecurity.

Violence against journalists has become more common, with the attacks coming from government supporters or politicians. The Catholic Church has historically maintained a strong presence in the media and has a varied and extensive network of influence throughout the country.

Physical attacks against journalists have intensified since 2020, especially in rural areas. Many radio and TV stations have had their premises vandalised and have been forced to interrupt their activities. The case of seven journalists in Santa Cruz de la Sierra who, while covering land conflicts, were abducted and tortured by a civilian armed group, remains unpunished. At least 25 journalists were attacked by police while covering a major strike in Santa Cruz in November 2022.