Surviving Mexico: Resistance and Resilience among Journalists in the Twenty-first Century

In Mexico, over 150 journalists have been killed since 2000, making it one of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a reporter. Celeste González de Bustamante and Jeannine E. Relly's book Surviving Mexico examines the networks of political power, business interests, and organized crime that threaten and attack Mexican journalists, who forge ahead despite the risks. Despite the crackdown on drug cartels, overall violence in Mexico has increased, and journalists covering the conflict have grown more vulnerable. Journalists have turned to one another and their communities to resist pressures and create their own networks of resilience.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2021
Publisher: University of Texas Press

The Mott KTA Journalism and Mass Communication Research Award,Kappa Tau Alpha Tankard Book Award,Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) Knudson Latin America Prize, and Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) are prestigious accolades bestowed upon individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the field of journalism and mass communication. Since 2000, Mexico has faced a tragic reality, with over 150 journalists having lost their lives in the line of duty. Today, the country ranks among the most perilous in the world for reporters to operate. In their book titled Surviving Mexico, Celeste González de Bustamante and Jeannine E. Relly delve into the intricate networks of political power, business interests, and organized crime that pose a constant threat and attack Mexican journalists. Despite the risks, these brave individuals continue to persevere in their pursuit of truth and justice.

Amid the relentless crackdown on drug cartels, the overall level of violence in Mexico has escalated, rendering journalists covering the conflict increasingly vulnerable. However, it is not only criminal groups that seek to silence reporters. Government forces also employ tactics to protect corrupt authorities and the very criminals they are supposed to be combating. Furthermore, certain news organizations, owing to their connections to corrupt government officials and criminal groups, fail to provide adequate support to their employees. In some instances, journalists are required to seek authorization from organized crime groups before publishing their stories.

Despite the seemingly insurmountable challenges they face, journalists have resorted to forming alliances and building resilience within their communities. Drawing upon a decade of rigorous research conducted in Mexico, González de Bustamante and Relly provide insightful explanations on how journalists have transformed into activists, holding those in power accountable for their actions. Through their unwavering dedication and commitment, these individuals have played a vital role in shaping the narrative of Mexico and advocating for press freedom and the protection of journalists.

The Mott KTA Journalism and Mass Communication Research Award, Kappa Tau Alpha Tankard Book Award, AEJMC Knudson Latin America Prize, and AEJMC are prestigious accolades that recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations in the field of journalism and mass communication. The tragic events in Mexico serve as a stark reminder of the risks faced by journalists in their pursuit of truth and the importance of supporting and protecting them. The work of Celeste González de Bustamante and Jeannine E. Relly in Surviving Mexico sheds light on the challenges faced by Mexican journalists and highlights their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Their book serves as a valuable resource for journalists, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of journalism and the critical role it plays in shaping society the world.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781477323380