Democracy under pressure: Crime, censorship, and misinformation in Ecuador's journalistic ecosystem

Democracy Under Pressure: Crime, Censorship, and Disinformation in Ecuador’s Journalistic Ecosystem examines how escalating criminal violence, state-driven censorship, and the rapid spread of disinformation are reshaping journalism and weakening democratic institutions in Ecuador. Drawing on recent research, professional testimonies, and data on media safety, freedom of expression, and digital communication, the book analyzes the influence of organized crime on news production, the rise of self-censorship, the vulnerability of local media outlets, and the role of digital platforms in amplifying false or manipulated information.

Offering a comprehensive diagnosis of Ecuador’s media landscape amid institutional crisis, insecurity, and political polarization, this work explains how these pressures erode public trust, undermine the circulation of verified information, and threaten citizens’ right to be informed. The book serves as an essential resource for scholars, journalists, policymakers, and readers interested in democracy, press freedom, media safety, political communication, and disinformation in Latin America.