Mexico implements new audience rights guidelines for radio and TV

New guidelines for radio and television audience rights have officially entered into force following their publication in the Official Gazette of the Federation. These regulations establish new obligations for concessioned, programmer, and public media outlets to protect citizen rights.

Under the new rules, stations must implement audience defense offices, with leaders appointed by the media organizations themselves rather than the government. Media outlets are also required to develop codes of ethics to address user grievances and establish resolution mechanisms. These procedures allow citizens to file complaints regarding misleading content, covert advertising, lack of plurality, or rights violations.

Norma Solano Rodríguez, President Commissioner of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT), clarified that the guidelines do not grant the agency power to censor content or determine truthfulness. Instead, the CRT will ensure that media outlets follow established procedures to receive and respond to audience complaints. The commission will only intervene if a media outlet fails to comply with the mandatory response protocols.