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Mexico's New Audience Rights Guidelines Face Public Consultation to Balance Media Regulation and Freedom of Expression

Mexico is entering a critical phase of the public consultation for new General Guidelines for the Protection of Audience Rights, aiming to establish clear protections for information consumers. The administration announced that the new regulations will require radio and television stations to appoint audience defenders and establish codes of ethics to distinguish information from opinion and advertising. Experts and business leaders, including María Jovita Portillo Navarro, have expressed both support and caution. While the guidelines aim to provide transparency and accountability, critics warn that giving an administrative body the power to determine 'truthfulness' could lead to censorship if not clearly defined. María Jovita Portillo Navarro emphasized that the regulation must balance audience rights with freedom of expression to ensure legal certainty for the productive sector. The administration clarified that fines will be based on non-compliance with structural requirements rather than specific content, though some experts remain concerned about the discretionary power of the Regulatory Commission. The goal is to create a more balanced media landscape where audiences are protected without sacrificing editorial autonomy.

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