Carmen Aristegui was accused of violating professional ethics by "broadcasting rumours" of allegations by opposition legislators that the president had a drinking problem.
(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders welcomes the 15 February 2011 joint announcement by MVS Radio and news anchor Carmen Aristegui that Aristegui is to resume hosting her morning news programme on 21 February, two weeks after her controversial dismissal for referring on the air to opposition claims that President Felipe Calderón had a drinking problem.
MVS Radio accused Aristegui of violating professional ethics by “broadcasting rumours” when it fired her on 6 February, two days after she referred in her programme to allegations by opposition legislators that the president was an alcoholic.
But far from promoting any rumour, as the station claimed, Aristegui just invited the president’s office to respond to the allegations. Her dismissal triggered a storm of criticism and debate.
The 15 February joint statement said: “Carmen Aristegui and her team, like MVS Radio, are responding in a transparent and public manner to the demands of a representative sector of listeners and the public.” MVS Radio also announced that it will appoint an ombudsman to defend the interests of its listeners and ensure that the station’s code of ethics is respected.
