Research Guides: International News: Bolivia

Researcher

Bryce Berry

General Country Overview

Bolivia declared its independence on August 6, 1825, from Spain. The capitals are Sucre (constitutional) and La Paz (seat of government), and the official languages include Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara. The population is around 12 million, and the currency is the Bolivian boliviano (BOB). Situated in South America, Bolivia is known for its indigenous cultures and high-altitude geography.

News Sources

El Deber
Based in Santa Cruz, this outlet may reflect regional bias and center-right views but is known for independent reporting.
Los Tiempos
Based in Cochabamba; shows signs of center-right leanings and independence, but has faced pressure from the state.
La Razón
Based in La Paz; seen as pro-government, especially during the Evo Morales administration. Critics cite limited editorial independence.
Bolivian Express
An English-language cultural magazine, often adopts a progressive stance and focuses on social justice themes.

Political Climate and Media Biases

Bolivia’s media landscape is diverse but faces significant challenges, ranking #117 in the 2024 Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, down from 110 in 2023. This decline is largely due to political polarization, particularly regarding coverage of the MAS party and Evo Morales. While most media outlets are privately owned, many have ties to political elites, leading to a biased media environment with pro-government and opposition leanings.

Academic Sources

Freedom House. (2024). Freedom in the World 2024: Bolivia.-
Used to understand current press freedom conditions in Bolivia, including government influence and challenges to editorial independence.
RefWorld
Used to understand the decline in editorial independence and how state influence affected newspapers like La Razón.
U.S. State Department Human Rights Report (2022)
Referenced to highlight government pressure on Los Tiempos and challenges to media freedom.
Ground News – El Deber
Used to indicate the outlet’s regional perspective and note efforts toward factual reporting.
Bolivian Express – Editorial Archive
Cited for its progressive-leaning tone and coverage of social justice issues.