Ecuadorean ministers spurn private media

Published November 20, 2014

Cabinet ministers in Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa's government appear to be adhering to new orders: Don't give interviews to journalists employed by privately-owned news media.

Policy Coordination Minister Betty Tola confirmed the new policy on Tuesday.

She said the plan is to "democratize information" in order to strengthen "public and communitarian media."

Correa has long complained that privately owned media are at the forefront of opposition to his government. He has filed a number of criminal libel cases against journalists.

On Saturday, Correa asked during his weekly radio and TV address why his ministers should be giving interviews to private media and thus lining the pockets of six families that comprise their owners.

On Monday, Interior Minister didn't show up for an interview previous arranged with privately owned Ecuavisa television.

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