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Chilean Media Faces Criticism for Dramatic Shift in Crime Coverage After Elections
A controversial editorial from ElPeriodico.CL has ignited intense public debate by highlighting what many perceive as a suspicious shift in Chilean media coverage following recent elections. The editorial, titled “End of Assaults: When Television Channels Fabricate Reality with No Shame,” questions why crime stories that dominated headlines before the election suddenly vanished from news broadcasts.
According to the publication, Chilean television channels spent months before the election bombarding viewers with what it describes as a “hypnotic routine” of crime coverage—featuring constant reports of assaults, robberies, murders, and shootouts. The criminal organization Tren de Aragua featured prominently in these stories, with recycled footage played repeatedly across networks.
“This narrative, lacking historical or comparative context, created the sensation of a ‘Chile Out of Control,'” the editorial states. “However, suddenly, as if someone flipped a switch, that reality vanished from the screen,” replaced by lighter news about entertainment and gastronomy once the election concluded.
The editorial makes serious accusations about media ethics, suggesting crime reporting was deliberately manipulated for political purposes. “Insecurity has been used (as always) as a political tool, not just as a news topic. It was managed, amplified, and doled out according to the convenience of the moment,” it claims.
The timing of this shift has raised questions about media independence in Chile. “When everyone decides on the same narrative simultaneously, we are not witnessing editorial coincidence but rather a designed narrative,” the editorial argues, suggesting that information was transformed from public service into “covert propaganda.”
The publication poses a pointed question that it claims no television journalist dares to ask: “Why did the country seem to be on fire during the campaign and, coincidentally, became more ‘livable’ the day after the election?”
The criticisms have resonated strongly on social media, where users across the political spectrum have expressed distrust toward mainstream media. On X (formerly Twitter), many Chileans have sarcastically commented on the apparent “end” of crime following the election.
User @p4purrip0p wrote: “And just like that, the assaults, carjackings, migrants at the borders trying to leave the country have all magically disappeared… The misinformation media has finished their job.”
Another user, @Actiniariahexa, posted ironically: “How great that assaults and crime are now over in Chile. THANK YOU BORIC!!” referencing the current president.
Some comments drew controversial historical parallels, with @Gatablanca87 writing: “September 12, 1973, all the hidden merchandise appears. December 15, 2025, carjackings and assaults end on TV”—an allusion to events following Chile’s 1973 coup.
However, not all perspectives align with the editorial’s claims. One social media user countered the narrative by citing actual crime statistics: “This year saw a significant drop in violent assaults and carjacking. Don’t be lazy; look for information before you comment,” wrote @tayrojo27, who shared a chart showing decreasing crime trends.
The controversy highlights growing public skepticism toward media in Chile, particularly regarding how news organizations may influence public perception around elections. Media critics suggest that sensationalist crime coverage creates fear that can be exploited politically, while media defenders might argue that editorial decisions reflect genuine shifts in public interest rather than coordinated manipulation.
This debate raises fundamental questions about the responsibility of news organizations in a democracy—whether they should function as independent watchdogs or if they have become tools for shaping political narratives. For many Chileans, the stark contrast in pre- and post-election coverage has damaged trust in mainstream news sources, regardless of the actual crime statistics.
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10 Comments
The allegations of media manipulation during elections are very serious. It’s critical that the public can trust the information they receive from news sources, especially around important political events. I hope this issue is investigated thoroughly to get to the truth of what happened.
Absolutely. Transparency and accountability are essential for a well-functioning democracy. Any attempts to distort or suppress information for political gain are extremely problematic and must be addressed.
This is a concerning development that raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process in Chile. I would be interested to learn more about the specific reasoning behind the media’s decision to shift their coverage in this way, and whether there were any external pressures or incentives involved.
Interesting observation about the apparent shift in Chilean media coverage around the elections. I wonder if there were any external factors or pressures that may have influenced the changes in reporting? It would be concerning if there was any attempt to shape the narrative for political purposes.
Agreed, transparency and independence of the media are critical for a healthy democracy. I hope the relevant authorities investigate this matter thoroughly to get to the bottom of what occurred.
While I’m not familiar with the specifics of the Chilean media landscape, the idea of politically-motivated suppression of news coverage is very troubling. Maintaining an independent, fact-based press is crucial for the health of any democracy.
Agreed. I hope the relevant authorities and watchdog groups are able to thoroughly investigate these allegations and ensure transparency and accountability around the media’s reporting practices, especially during politically sensitive periods.
The allegations of suppressing crime reporting during elections are quite serious. If true, it’s a troubling abuse of media power that could undermine public trust. I hope the Chilean people get the answers and accountability they deserve on this issue.
Absolutely. Free and fair elections rely on an informed citizenry, so any attempt to manipulate the information landscape is very concerning. I’m glad this is getting public attention and scrutiny.
This is a complex issue that touches on important principles of media ethics and the role of journalism in a democracy. I’ll be following this story closely to see if more facts come to light about the motivations and decision-making behind the alleged changes in crime coverage.