ON AIR
During her morning press conference this Wednesday, President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed two issues that have sparked national debate: narcocorridos and the proposal to nationalize TV Azteca.
Regarding narcocorridos—a genre of music that often references drug trafficking—Sheinbaum reiterated her position that it should not be banned, despite recent controversies. The president emphasized that her administration is not seeking to censor this music, but rather to promote alternative cultural expressions that foster positive values.
“My position is that it shouldn’t be banned, but that we should promote other kinds of music,” Sheinbaum stated, highlighting the importance of education and guidance so that people can choose on their own to stop listening to songs that glorify violence.
Her remarks follow legal action by the Jalisco Attorney General’s Office against members of the band Los Alegres del Barranco, who are accused of promoting criminal behavior by displaying images of organized crime figures during their performances.
On another note, Sheinbaum distanced herself from a recent proposal made by writer Paco Ignacio Taibo II, who suggested that TV Azteca should be nationalized for the sake of “national health.”
The president made it clear that her government has no plans to nationalize any television network and reaffirmed her commitment to freedom of expression.
“What Paco is proposing is not our intention. It is by no means the intention of the Mexican government,” Sheinbaum said, stressing that everyone has the right to express their opinions—even if those views are not shared by others.
Additionally, the president called on Ricardo Salinas Pliego, owner of TV Azteca, to meet his tax obligations, pointing out that the network has spread false information on multiple occasions.
Through these statements, Sheinbaum aims to strike a balance between respecting free speech and promoting cultural content that contributes to a more peaceful and just society.