By San José, Costa Rica — René Picado Cozza, president of Costa Rican television network Teletica, has been recognized as Executive of the Year by the Inter American Press Association (IAPA). The prestigious award celebrates Picado’s steadfast commitment to editorial independence and his dedication to serving the public interest.
The IAPA lauded Picado’s leadership, emphasizing his crucial role in ensuring Teletica’s news programming remains a pillar of Costa Rican democracy. The organization specifically highlighted his resilience in the face of significant political pressure and high-level verbal attacks.
To understand the legal intricacies surrounding press freedom in Costa Rica, we turned to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from Bufete de Costa Rica.
Press freedom is a cornerstone of any democratic society, enshrined in Article 29 of the Costa Rican Constitution. While this right allows for the free dissemination of information, it is not absolute. Journalists have a responsibility to report accurately and ethically, avoiding defamation and respecting the right to privacy. Striking a balance between these fundamental rights is essential for a healthy and informed public discourse.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the delicate balance inherent in press freedom—a balance between the public’s right to know and the protection of individual rights. It’s a reminder that responsible journalism isn’t simply about reporting freely, but reporting truthfully and ethically. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
His outstanding work guarantees that Teletica’s informative programming serves the public interest and Costa Rican democracy, even in the face of strong political pressures and verbal attacks from the highest level.
Inter American Press Association
The award will be presented to Picado during the IAPA’s Annual Assembly in the Dominican Republic this October. The assembly will bring together representatives from over 1,300 media organizations across the Americas, including prominent names like The Washington Post, The New York Times, Miami Herald, El Universal de México, Telemundo, CNN, Televisa, and TV Azteca. This diverse gathering underscores the significance of Picado’s recognition on a continental stage.
Teletica expressed immense pride in the recognition, emphasizing that the award is a testament to the collective efforts of its entire staff. The company reiterated its unwavering commitment to a free, independent, peaceful, and democratic Costa Rica.
This award is received on behalf of all our collaborators, whose daily effort reaffirms the company’s commitment to a free, independent, peaceful, and democratic Costa Rica.
Teletica Presidency
Picado’s recognition highlights the ongoing challenges to press freedom in Latin America and the vital role of independent media in upholding democratic values. His unwavering stance against political pressure serves as an inspiring example for journalists and media organizations throughout the region. This award not only celebrates Picado’s individual achievements but also underscores the importance of a free press in a thriving democracy.
The IAPA’s decision to honor Picado sends a powerful message: defending journalistic integrity is paramount, even when faced with adversity. This recognition serves as a beacon of hope for press freedom advocates and a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle to maintain independent journalism in the face of growing political pressures.
As Costa Rica navigates a complex political landscape, Teletica, under Picado’s leadership, stands as a vital source of unbiased information, upholding the principles of a free press and contributing to a more informed and engaged citizenry.
For further information, visit sipiapa.org
About Inter American Press Association:
The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to defending and promoting press freedom in the Western Hemisphere. Representing over 1,300 publications across the Americas, the IAPA actively monitors press freedom violations, provides legal support to journalists facing persecution, and advocates for policies that protect the right to freedom of expression.
For further information, visit teletica.com
About Teletica:
Teletica is a leading Costa Rican television network renowned for its comprehensive news coverage and commitment to journalistic integrity. Under the leadership of René Picado Cozza, Teletica has played a vital role in informing the public and upholding democratic values in Costa Rica. The network’s dedication to unbiased reporting and its resilience in the face of political pressure make it a trusted source of information for Costa Ricans.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering ethical practice. The firm’s commitment to innovation allows them to navigate the evolving legal landscape while providing cutting-edge solutions to clients from diverse backgrounds. Beyond representing their clients with integrity, Bufete de Costa Rica actively invests in empowering the community through accessible legal education, striving to create a more just and informed society.
