Media assets

Television: Canal Once

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

Canal Once is owned by the IPN, which operates under the Federal Ministry of Public Education. The channel’s director is appointed and can be removed by the President of Mexico. As of October 2024, Renata Turrent, an economist and member of the Morena party, serves as the director of Canal Once. She was appointed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, who succeeded Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) in October 2024. Turrent previously coordinated the “Diálogos por la Transformación” project during Sheinbaum’s presidential campaign.

Source of funding and budget

The Mexican government provides the majority of Canal Once’s funding. In 2021, the channel operated with a budget of MXN 560.9m (approximately US$ 27.6m). This increased to MXN 572m in 2022, MXN 602m (US$ 35.6m) in 2023, and MXN 634m (US$ 35.77m) in 2024, according to data provided by the broadcaster.

For the 2025 fiscal year, Canal Once’s authorized budget for acquisitions, leases, and services is MXN 373.1m.  By law, the channel is prohibited from carrying advertising but typically generates revenue through sponsorships.

Editorial independence

While Canal Once offers diverse content, its news reporting has been observed to favor the ruling government. Following AMLO’s 2018 election and the appointment of a new director, programs featuring hosts aligned with the Morena party were introduced. Examples include “Buena Fe,” hosted by Gibrán Ramírez, a political analyst and Morena leadership candidate, and “La Maroma Estelar,” known for its favorable coverage of the government and criticism of its opponents.

Another program, “John y Sabina,” featured hosts John Ackerman and Sabina Berman, both supporters of AMLO, who often interviewed government officials and endorsed their decisions. Ackerman is married to the head of the Secretariat of the Public Service.

Although Canal Once has aired documentaries and programs critical of the government, reports of censorship have emerged in recent years. Local journalists allege that content critical of authorities, particularly former President AMLO, was not tolerated. Given that Claudia Sheinbaum, AMLO’s protégé, assumed the presidency in October 2024, significant editorial changes at Canal Once are not anticipated.

Canal Once operates under a “Quality Manual” that outlines internal operational rules; however, this does not equate to a statute guaranteeing the broadcaster’s independence. In accordance with Article 259 of the Federal Telecommunications and Broadcasting Act, all Mexican broadcast media must have an Ombudsman responsible for handling audience feedback and ensuring compliance with a code of ethics. Canal Once has both a Code of Conduct for its staff and an ethics committee, though the committee primarily comprises individuals reporting to the general director. Additionally, the channel has a Citizen Council tasked with analyzing content and making recommendations to enhance editorial independence.

May 2025

Media assets

Radio: XHIMER-FM, XHOF-FM, XHIMR-FM, XEDTL-AM, XEMP-AM, XEB-AM, XEQK-AM (Mexico City); XHUAN-FM (Tijuana, Baja California); XHFQ-FM (Cananea, Sonora); XHRF-FM (Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila); XHUAR-FM (Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua); XHLAC-FM (Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán); XHSCO-FM (Salina Cruz, Oaxaca); XHEMIT-FM (Comitán, Chiapas); XHCAH-FM (Cacahoatán, Chiapas); XHCHZ-FM (Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas); XHYUC-FM (Mérida, Yucatán)

State Media Matrix Typology

Independent State-Funded and State-Managed (ISFM)

Ownership and governance

IMER is a decentralized agency within the Federal Public Administration, possessing its own legal personality and assets. Its primary mission is to provide broadcasting services as a matter of public interest and to support the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) in managing federal government radio stations, excluding those under other state secretariats.

The institute operates under the direct supervision of the SEP. In January 2025, Carlos Lara Sumano was appointed as the Director General of IMER by the Secretary of Public Education. Lara Sumano has experience in public service, communication, and telecommunications, having previously led IMER from 1995 to 2002.

Source of funding and budget

IMER’s operations are primarily funded through allocations from the federal government. IMER is allowed to sell advertising for its seven commercial stations. However, the ad revenues generated by these stations can’t even cover the rent of the channels’ studios, thus the institute continues to rely on government support to maintain and develop its broadcasting services.

IMER’s annual budget in 2022 totaled MXN 268.7m (US$13.2 m), most of it coming from the government. The state allocation increased significantly compared to the previous year. In 2023, IMER operated with a state subsidy of MXN 271.4m (US$ 16.2m), according to media reports.

IMER was allocated a budget of MXN 191.5m (US$ 11.4m) for the 2024 fiscal year, according to the Federal Expenditure Budget. However, IMER is bracing for leaner times ahead. In 2025, the broadcaster was set to receive MXN 186.8m (US$ 9.6m), marking a cut from the previous year’s allocation.

Editorial independence

The Mexican government continues to steer the overall direction of IMER. Yet, over the past five years, there has been no concrete evidence of direct editorial interference in the broadcaster’s programming. In fact, quite the opposite has occurred—IMER has often drawn the ire of public officials for its critical stance. Frustrated by the station’s independent tone, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador went so far as to label IMER a “tendentious and conservative” outlet in June 2023.

Despite its public service role, IMER lacks the legal safeguards that grant full editorial autonomy to other public media entities in Mexico, such as SPR. While it operates under an official Statute and a Code of Ethical Values—documents that call for programming to reflect the country’s diversity and strive for balanced reporting across a broad range of perspectives—they fall short of enshrining true editorial independence.

IMER does have though institutional mechanisms in place aimed at bolstering transparency and public trust. These include an Ombudsman, a formal Code of Ethics, and a Citizen Council. The Council plays a key role in acting as a bridge between civil society and the broadcaster, with a mission to defend editorial independence, foster citizen engagement, and promote the free expression of Mexico’s ideological, ethnic, and cultural diversity across IMER’s 18 stations.

May 2025

Media assets

Television: SPR TV

Radio: SPR Radio

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

SPR operates as an autonomous public agency. Its General Director is appointed by the President of the Republic for a five-year term, with the possibility of one reappointment. This staggered system is designed to insulate the position from political cycles, ideally allowing continuity across presidential administrations. In addition, Article 17 of the Broadcasting Act stipulates that the Senate must approve the nominee with a two-thirds majority, reinforcing the checks and balances on executive influence.

As of May 2025, Jenaro Villamil continues to serve as the head of the SPR. His initial five-year term, which began in February 2019, concluded in February 2024. Following this, the SPR’s Governing Board appointed him as the acting president (“Encargado de Despacho”) to ensure continuity while awaiting the Senate’s decision on his reappointment for a second term. In October 2024, President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that Villamil would remain at the helm of SPR. She emphasized that he, along with other public media leaders, is working on a new framework aimed at enhancing the independence and quality of public broadcasting in Mexico. Therefore, while the formal ratification by the Senate was pending, Jenaro Villamil continued to lead SPR in an acting capacity.

Source of funding and budget

SPR remains largely dependent on state subsidies. While SPR generates a modest share of its revenue through ancillary activities, roughly three-quarters of its budget continues to come from public funds.

In 2023, the broadcaster operated with a budget of MXN 852.2 million (US$50.9 million)—a sharp drop from MXN 1.24 billion (US$61 million) the previous year.

For the fiscal year 2025, the Sistema Público de Radiodifusión del Estado Mexicano (SPR) has been allocated a budget of MXN 435.8 million. This represents a significant reduction of nearly 43% compared to the MXN 766.5 million allocated in 2024, according to media reports.

Within this budget, MXN 100 million is earmarked for expanding the SPR’s television coverage. This investment aims to increase the network’s reach from its current coverage of 75.69% of the Mexican population to approximately 86.09%, potentially serving an additional 33 million people through the installation of new retransmission stations across the country.

Editorial independence

On paper, SPR enjoys full operational and editorial autonomy, with a legal mandate to provide pluralistic and nonpartisan programming. In practice, however, its editorial line often mirrors the presidential narrative. The current director, journalist Jenaro Villamil, was handpicked by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) and has long been a vocal supporter of the president. Villamil is known for his pointed criticism of AMLO’s political opponents, raising questions about the broadcaster’s impartiality.

Editorial independence came under the spotlight in early 2019 when former director Armando Carrillo resigned months before the end of his term. Though officially framed as a voluntary departure, media reports suggested he stepped down under political pressure and unproven allegations of corruption—seen by many as a sign of the shifting political winds at SPR.

Under Villamil’s leadership, SPR consistently broadcast AMLO’s daily mañaneras—his trademark morning press conferences, often used to highlight government achievements and publicly chastise critics, including major newspapers. In a 2019 interview with La Jornada, a left-leaning daily, Villamil acknowledged that the former president exerted influence over SPR’s editorial agenda and requested certain tones and topics in its coverage.

In the lead-up to the June 2024 presidential elections, SPR was widely accused of favoring candidates from AMLO’s Morena party, casting further doubt on its editorial neutrality. Though Claudia Sheinbaum, AMLO’s chosen successor, was elected president and assumed office in October 2024, no sweeping editorial shifts have been noticed. Sheinbaum, a protégé of AMLO, is widely seen as carrying forward his political and media strategies.

Legal framework and oversight

According to the Public Media Act, SPR is granted “technical, operational, decision-making, and management autonomy.” Its mission is to provide non-commercial, inclusive broadcasting that fosters national unity, promotes civic and cultural education, and ensures balanced, timely news coverage. However, while the legal framework suggests a firewall against government overreach, reality paints a murkier picture: since AMLO’s rise to power, the broadcaster has routinely leaned toward the former president’s narrative.

Like all licensed broadcasters in Mexico, SPR must adhere to Article 259 of the Federal Telecommunications and Broadcasting Act, which requires every outlet to maintain a Code of Ethics and an Ombudsman to investigate viewer complaints and ensure ethical compliance. SPR also has a Citizen Council, appointed by the Senate, tasked with offering editorial guidance and fostering public accountability. Yet critics argue that these bodies have little real teeth when it comes to curbing political influence.

May 2025

Media assets

Radio: La Voz de las Huastecas, La Voz de la Costa Chica, La Voz de los Cuatro Pueblos, La Voz de los Vientos, La Voz de la Sierra Norte, La Voz de la Chinantla, La Voz de los Tres Rios, La Voz de la Sierra Juarez, La Voz de los Mayas, La Voz de los P’urhepechas, La Voz de la Mixteca, La Voz del Valle, La Voz de la Sierra Tarahumara, Las Tres Voces de Durango, La Voz de la Frontera Sur, La Voz del Corazón de la Selva, La Voz de la Sierra de Zongolica, La Voz de la Montaña, La Voz del Pueblo Hñähñú, La Voz de los Chontales, La Voz del Gran Pueblo, La Voz de la Sierra Oriente

State Media Matrix Typology

Independent State-Funded and State-Managed (ISFM)

Ownership and governance

SRCI stations are managed by the Radio Department of the INPI, a federal government entity. While Article 2 of the Mexican Constitution mandates the state’s responsibility to create conditions enabling indigenous peoples to own and operate their media, in practice, these frequencies remain under government control. This structure reflects ongoing tensions between constitutional ideals and operational realities in the realm of indigenous media ownership.

Source of funding and budget

SRCI operates under the auspices of the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples (INPI) and relies primarily on federal funding. Despite their significant role in indigenous communities, these stations function on modest budgets.

As of the latest available data, SRCI receives an annual allocation of approximately MXN 13 million (around US$ 614,000), averaging about MXN 590,000 (US$ 27,000) per station per year. This limited funding underscores the challenges faced in sustaining and expanding indigenous broadcasting initiatives.

Editorial independence

The proximity of SRCI stations to the communities they serve fosters a unique form of accountability. Community members often engage directly with station personnel, providing immediate feedback and ensuring content remains relevant and respectful. This grassroots oversight helps maintain editorial integrity and prevents the stations from becoming mere mouthpieces for governmental agendas.

Legal Framework and Oversight

While SRCI operates within the framework of the INPI and adheres to internal regulations, including a code of conduct, these measures do not equate to full editorial independence. In March 2018, SRCI updated its code of ethics and appointed an Ombudsman in compliance with the 2014 telecommunications and broadcasting law, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability within its operations.

May 2025

Media assets

Television: Canal 22

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

Canal 22 is owned by the Ministry of Culture, and its general director is appointed by the President of the Republic. All other employees are hierarchically subordinate to the channel’s top management.

Source of funding and budget

In 2022, Canal 22 operated with a budget of MXN 135.5 million (approximately US$ 6.7 million). In 2023, the budget increased by 4.57% to MXN 141.7 million (around US$ 8.46 million). The channel generates additional income through sponsorships and commercial products; however, over 50% of its resources are derived from state funding.

In 2024, Canal 22 operated with a total budget of approximately MXN 203.7 million (around US$ 11.9 million). Of this amount, MXN 149.5 million was allocated as a federal subsidy, while the remaining MXN 54.2 million was expected to be generated through the channel’s own revenue streams, such as the sale of advertising space and audiovisual services.

Editorial independence

While Canal 22 is lauded for its high-quality and diverse content, concerns have been raised regarding its editorial independence. During President Enrique Peña Nieto’s administration, the station faced accusations of censorship.

Under former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, independent journalists questioned certain programs that appeared to favor his government. For instance, shows featuring government-friendly cartoonists criticizing opponents and conducting amicable interviews with officials were introduced after López Obrador assumed office.

Additionally, pressures on Canal 22’s journalists, particularly those involved in investigative reporting, have reportedly increased in recent years. Consequently, in July 2024, the outlet was reclassified under the “State-Controlled” category per our taxonomy.

Legal framework and oversight

Canal 22 lacks a specific law or instrument that effectively prevents government intervention in its editorial coverage.

While it has internal rulebooks offering programming guidelines, these do not constitute a domestic statute establishing the channel’s editorial independence. Nevertheless, Canal 22 has implemented a Code of Ethics and appointed an Ombudsman to serve as mechanisms aimed ti ensure independent assessment and oversight of its editorial policy.

May 2025

Media assets

Television: Channel 45.1, Channel 45.2, Channel 45.3

State Media Matrix Typology

State-Controlled (SC)

Ownership and governance

While Canal del Congreso maintains a degree of autonomy from the executive branch, it operates under the auspices of the Mexican Congress. A Bicameral Commission, comprising senators and deputies from various political parties, oversees the channel’s operations and appoints its director. This governance structure, while promoting legislative transparency, has been critiqued for potentially limiting editorial independence, as content decisions may reflect prevailing political dynamics within the legislature.

Source of funding and budget

Canal del Congreso is allocated an annual budget of MXN 202.2 million (approximately US$ 9.1 million), primarily sourced from the federal budget. The channel is also authorized to generate additional revenue through sponsorships, supplementing its financial resources to support operations and content production.

Editorial independence

Since its inception, Canal del Congreso has navigated challenges related to editorial autonomy. According to founding director Virgilio Caballero, there have been instances where majority parliamentary groups exerted pressure to influence programming, seeking proportional screen time reflective of their legislative representation. Such dynamics underscore the complexities inherent in balancing governmental oversight with journalistic independence.

The channel operates under a complex regulatory framework, including the Congress Channel Regulation, Communication Policies, User Guide, and Ombudsman Guidelines, alongside a Code of Ethics. These documents mandate content plurality and ethical standards; however, they fall short of establishing statutory guarantees for editorial independence.

To bolster accountability, Canal del Congreso has instituted an independent Advisory Council comprising academics, journalists, and civil society members. This body provides recommendations to management, aiming to enhance content quality and uphold the channel’s commitment to impartiality and public service.

May 2025

Media assets

Television: TV UNAM

Radio: Radio UNAM

State Media Matrix Typology

Independent State-Funded (ISF)

Ownership and governance

UNAM operates under its own organic law and is constitutionally guaranteed autonomy, allowing it to govern its affairs independently of federal government influence. Both TV UNAM and Radio UNAM fall under the university’s purview, with their directors appointed by the university’s rector, ensuring editorial independence and alignment with UNAM’s academic mission.

Source of funding and budget

In 2024, TV UNAM was allocated a budget of approximately MXN 210.4 million, while Radio UNAM received around MXN 97.9 million. These funds are primarily sourced from the university’s budget, which, in turn, is supported by federal allocations and the university’s own revenue-generating activities. This financial structure underscores the channels’ reliance on public funding while maintaining operational autonomy.

Editorial independence

Thanks to UNAM’s autonomous status, both TV UNAM and Radio UNAM enjoy a high degree of editorial freedom.

Their programming reflects a commitment to pluralism and diversity, featuring content that spans the ideological spectrum. For instance, TV UNAM has aired programs hosted by academics with varying political perspectives, fostering a balanced discourse. 

For instance, academic John Ackerman—one of the most vocal media advocates for the former Mexican administration and husband of former Public Administration Secretary Irma Eréndira Sandoval—hosts a long-running program on TV UNAM. His show, which has aired since the political tide turned in the wake of the 2018 presidential election, featured interviews with government officials and figures aligned with Mexico’s left-leaning political circles.

Yet, TV UNAM also provides a platform for dissenting voices. Legal scholar Pedro Salazar, for example, hosts a program known for its sharp critique of government policies, proving that the channel doesn’t shy away from engaging both sides of the political aisle.

Oversight and ethical standards

Both TV UNAM and Radio UNAM adhere to strict ethical guidelines and have established mechanisms for accountability. They operate under a Code of Ethics and have appointed Ombudspersons responsible for monitoring compliance and addressing audience concerns. These measures ensure that the channels maintain their commitment to integrity, transparency, and public service.

May 2025

Media assets

Radio: Radio Educación

State Media Matrix Typology

Independent State-Funded and State-Managed (ISFM)

Ownership and governance

Operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture since 2018, the station’s director is appointed by the President of the Republic.

In December 2024, Fernanda Tapia, a prominent media figure known for her open support of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, was appointed as the director of Radio Educación. While her appointment has sparked discussions regarding potential shifts in the station’s editorial stance, there have been no concrete reports indicating changes in content or instances of censorship under her leadership.

Source of funding and budget

In 2024, Radio Educación was allocated a budget of MXN 86.6 million, reflecting a modest increase from the MXN 82.4 million received in 2023. The station’s budget amounted to MXN 79.2m (US$ 3.9m) in 2022, according to media reports.

Despite this uptick, the station faced significant financial challenges. Reports indicate that payments to numerous freelance professionals were suspended for several months, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among contributors . This situation raised concerns about fiscal management, especially given that the salaries of top executives accounted for nearly half of the budget designated for service providers.

Editorial independence

Historically, Radio Educación has maintained a reputation for editorial independence, often providing a platform for critical discourse. However, its structural alignment under the Ministry of Culture, as stipulated by a 2018 decree, mandates the station to support the Ministry’s cultural initiatives, potentially influencing its programming direction. While the station continues to air content that scrutinizes governmental policies, the lack of a legal framework explicitly guaranteeing its editorial autonomy leaves it vulnerable to external pressures.

Oversight and ethical standards

To uphold journalistic integrity, Radio Educación has established a Code of Ethics and appointed an Ombudsman to address audience concerns. Additionally, Article 10 of the 2018 decree mandates the formation of a Citizen Council comprising five members to advise on editorial policies. However, the council’s recommendations are non-binding, limiting its efficacy in safeguarding the station’s independence.

May 2025

Media assets

News agency: Notimex

Closed in December 2023

July 2024