Chilean Media Under Fire for Alleged Political Manipulation of Crime Coverage

A scathing editorial from ElPeriodico.CL has ignited a national debate over media ethics in Chile, accusing major television networks of deliberately manipulating crime coverage during the recent electoral cycle. The piece, titled “End of Assaults: When Television Channels Fabricate Reality with No Shame,” points to a suspicious pattern where extensive crime reporting abruptly disappeared from broadcasts after the elections concluded.

According to the editorial, Chilean viewers were subjected to months of relentless crime coverage—featuring violent assaults, robberies, shootings, and extensive reporting on the criminal organization Tren de Aragua. This created what the publication describes as a narrative of “Chile Out of Control,” only to have this coverage mysteriously vanish once voting ended.

“Suddenly, as if someone flipped a switch, that reality vanished from the screen,” the editorial states, noting that serious crime reporting was quickly replaced by lighter fare focused on entertainment and gastronomy.

The timing of this shift has raised alarming questions about journalistic integrity in the country. ElPeriodico.CL argues that this pattern demonstrates how “insecurity has been used (as always) as a political tool, not just as a news topic,” suggesting a coordinated effort among media outlets rather than coincidental editorial decisions.

“When everyone decides on the same narrative simultaneously, we are not witnessing editorial coincidence but rather a designed narrative. At that point, information ceases to be public service and turns into covert propaganda,” the editorial contends.

The article poses a challenging question that it claims mainstream television journalists have avoided: “Why did the country seem to be on fire during the campaign and, coincidentally, became more ‘livable’ the day after the election?”

The critique has resonated deeply with many Chileans, sparking widespread discussion on social media platforms. On Twitter (now X), users across the political spectrum have expressed frustration and distrust toward mainstream media outlets.

User @p4purrip0p captured the sentiment shared by many: “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, @Mike_Demonio, suggested media manipulation was deliberate: “The channels must have received orders to reduce the level of fear in their broadcasts… It’s clear that carjackings are out of fashion and no longer useful. Welcome to the world of fantasy.”

Some commentators used irony to highlight the perceived manipulation, with @Actiniariahexa sarcastically posting: “How great that assaults and crime are now over in Chile. THANK YOU BORIC!!”

Interestingly, amid the criticism, some users pointed to actual data showing a decrease in violent crime. User @tayrojo27 shared statistics indicating “a significant drop in violent assaults and carjacking” in 2024, suggesting the narrative shift might partially reflect real trends rather than pure manipulation.

This controversy emerges against the backdrop of Chile’s complex media landscape, where ownership concentration has long raised concerns about editorial independence. Major television networks have significant influence in shaping public opinion, particularly regarding issues like crime and security that deeply affect voter sentiment.

The debate highlights the critical tension between media’s responsibility to report on legitimate public safety concerns and the potential exploitation of fear for political purposes. As Chilean democracy continues to evolve following years of social unrest and constitutional debates, the role of media as either watchdogs or manipulators remains a crucial question.

For many Chileans, this apparent shift in coverage reinforces existing skepticism toward institutional media and raises fundamental questions about whose interests are being served by news organizations supposedly dedicated to public service.