Haitian media struggle to survive in the face of the attack, collapses

The Nation of the Caribbean Island faces humanitarian, economic and political crises in addition to the decline of laws and ranks.

In the last week, three media houses are targeted, in what seems to change the gang tactics to insulate the population.

UN news Inquires Frantz Duval, Editor Le Nouvelliste Novine, Hervé Lerouge, Executive Director Le National Newspapers and Telévision-Radio Pacific and Head UNESCO The Haiti Office, Eric Loves, which effects of attacks have the ability of journalists to continue to give accurate information to Haitians about the crisis there.

Attempting to go on for a free printing

Frontz Duval: The Haitian press has been attacked for a long time. It has already been a year since our office were completely vandalized. There were -als were attacks on the Radio Télévision Caraïbes, Radio Mélodie and Télé Pluriel. It is all part of the overall takeover of Haitian capital of armed gang, which affected all institutions as well as private individuals.

Eric would like: The situation is very alarming. See you to repeat against civilians, students and journalists. Anti-media attacks are intended for intimidation and end their relevant public information mission. UNESCO calls for current measures to ensure the safety of journalists, protect their media facilities and create a safe environment for free print exercise.

Frontz Duval: Le Nouvelliste is 127 years, and under the same ownership for four generations. It is the first time we suffered the crisis of this size. There were severe political situations in the past that were disturbed publications, but only for a week or two. Even when the earthquake of us hit us, we continued to post only a few months later.

It is very difficult to travel to port-au-prince. Those who continue to work are limited to fewer areas. This means that fewer news and reports are from the places where there are violent conflicts, because journalists do not induce in these areas anymore.

Decade Archive and essential equipment destroyed

Frontz Duval: When our historical spaces are vandalized in March 2024. year, the editorial office was undamaged because they have already left, but we could not take print or our archive. Since in the center of the au-prince, she became a non-go-bunch for gang presence, was 10 months before we could reach the building. There wasn’t almost anything left. That means we’re online now.

Hervé Lerouge: So far, even my media companies have not been attacked either. However, I have several construction companies, providing concrete and asphalt, and two weeks ago, the gang attacked us. Our premises have been reduced to ruins, and one of my employees was killed. He was with me fifteen years. It was a big loss.

Non-existent income

Frontz Duval: There are no subsidies or public funds for the Haitian Stice. Everything is funded by advertising, which is alleviated because it is difficult for any enterprise to be well-made well that they can advertise.

Hervé Lerouge: 51 people work for my TV station and newspapers, and the income does not cover either payroll. My other companies allow me to pay their salaries and don’t want to let them go because there is currently no job for them anywhere else. Also, I think that this career was a social service for the community.

Eric would like: For the press to survive this difficult period, it cannot be said that we will still need a minimum of security in this country and it is the responsibility of the government.

UNESCO cooperates with the Ministry of Communications for the Restructuring of the State Broadcasting (Radio Télévision National D’Haïti) by providing training and new equipment. We also use social media to help check the information to people, but also radio, which remains entrusted to the communication channel, especially in the countryside.

Reliable information ‘The question of life and death’

Eric would like: Access to reliable information can be a matter of life and death. It can help people identify safe zones, avoid danger and perform correct decisions on protecting themselves and their families.

Hervé Lerouge: These journalists are used to serious situations, because every day reports and represent live shows from streets, just as they always did, showing the population that happens, so they know where it is known. It is the service we provide to people.

Eric would like: Armed groups try to insulate the population and create chaos in the country by attacking the media. Freedom of the press is necessary to guarantee the right to information and ensure transparency in society. It is also a platform for a variety of votes to ensure transparency. In this country, there is a result of violence and instability, knowing that the truth can be incredible healing.

Hervé Lerouge: I won’t leave the country I love. This is my country, and I will defend it even at risk of my life.