IAB warns that the protection of audiences must not become a mechanism for censorship or a gag on editorial freedom
The International Association of Broadcasting (IAB) expresses its concern regarding various aspects of the draft “General Guidelines for the Protection of Audience Rights,” which is currently under public consultation in Mexico.
The IAB recognizes that the protection of audience rights is a legitimate objective in a democratic society. However, it notes that any regulation in this area must fully respect freedom of expression, editorial freedom, media independence, and the standards established by the Inter-American Human Rights System.
The IAB notes with concern that some of the draft’s provisions expand the administrative authority’s intervention into areas specific to the media’s editorial activity, through mechanisms of oversight, review, and potential sanctions that could affect editorial independence and have a chilling effect on the free practice of journalism.
The IAB notes that the media’s scrutiny of the actions of public authorities constitutes one of the essential mechanisms of democratic oversight and accountability in any free society. The Inter-American Court of Human Rights has repeatedly held that public officials are subject to a higher level of public criticism and scrutiny because their actions involve matters of clear public interest, and that any undue restriction on that debate undermines the very functioning of democracy.
The IAB is particularly concerned that the oversight, review, and sanction mechanisms provided for in the bill could be used as indirect tools to exert pressure on journalists and media outlets, particularly those that maintain a critical editorial line or actively monitor public administration.
The IAB is particularly concerned that the oversight, review, and sanction mechanisms provided for in the bill could be used as indirect tools to exert pressure on journalists and media outlets, particularly those that maintain a critical editorial line or actively monitor public administration.
Consequently, the IAB is concerned that some of the provisions included in the bill—or those derived from them—could have the effect of directly or indirectly rewarding or punishing editorial stances or the critical positions of journalists and media outlets in certain circumstances. This is incompatible with Article 13 of the American Convention on Human Rights, with the case law of the Inter American Court of Human Rights, and with the essential principles of a free and democratic society.
The IAB respectfully calls for the bill to be reviewed in light of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States and the standards of the Inter-American Human Rights System, in order to ensure that freedom of expression, editorial independence, and media pluralism are strengthened—and never weakened.
The protection of audiences and freedom of expression are not conflicting values. On the contrary, they can only coexist fully where the media can carry out their work independently, without pressure, without fear of reprisals, and free from any form of gagging or censorship.
Montevideo, August 6, 2026.