Research Guides: International News: Honduras

Researcher

Melissa Meseljevic

General Country Overview

Honduras declared its independence on September 15, 1821, from Spain. The capital is Tegucigalpa, and the official language is Spanish. With a population of around 10 million, the currency is the Honduran lempira (HNL). Situated in Central America, Honduras is known for its Mayan ruins and Caribbean coastline.

News Sources

El Heraldo
One of Honduras’s biggest newspapers, owned by Grupo OPSA, a powerful media group led by businessman Jorge Canahuati Larach. It generally leans center-right and has ties to political and business elites. During the 2009 coup, it was one of the few outlets allowed to keep broadcasting, which led to criticism that it supported the interim government. While it does some solid investigative reporting, its ownership and political leanings can shape how stories are told.
La Prensa
One of Honduras’s most widely read newspapers. It is also part of Grupo OPSA. It offers extensive coverage of politics, crime, business, and sports. Its editorial stance tends to lean center-right, reflecting the interests of its ownership and the broader business community.

Political Climate and Media Biases

It is ranked #146 on the RSF scale and has a population of 10 million people. Honduras has a tense political climate shaped by corruption, gang influence, and mistrust in the system. Gangs like MS-13 and Barrio 18 have deep ties to politics, police, and local governments, making it hard to fight crime or ensure justice. While President Xiomara Castro has promised reforms, progress is slow and faces pushback. The media is also under pressure since most big outlets are owned by elites, and independent journalists risk threats or violence when covering sensitive topics like gang corruption or government abuse.

International News

Researcher

General Country Overview

News Sources

Political Climate and Media Biases

Academic Sources