Poll: Overwhelming Public Support for Audience Rights Guidelines in Mexico

Amid the debate over audience rights guidelines, a recent survey by De Las Heras Demotecnia revealed that 79% of Mexicans support government sanctions against media outlets that attempt to mislead audiences with false information.

Addressing the survey question during her press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum clarified that the guidelines do not propose sanctioning media outlets for disseminating fake news.

“We aren't even proposing sanctions for reporting fake news; we haven't proposed that because the audience rights provisions simply state: ‘publish your Code of Ethics, appoint an audience ombudsperson, and accept complaints.’ That is essentially what the guidelines and the law say.”

Meanwhile, 78% of respondents consider it important for radio and television programs to clearly distinguish between news, journalists' opinions, and paid content or advertising.

Additionally, 62% believe the goal of the audience rights guidelines proposed by President Sheinbaum is to ensure media outlets report information clearly and objectively, whereas 28% believe the aim is to control and censor the media—an argument raised by corporate media and opposition figures.

Regarding the proposal to regulate minors' access to social media, 86% are in favor of its approval.

However, President Sheinbaum clarified that there is no formal proposal yet; rather, a public discussion has been initiated.

Image: Gobierno de México