Democratization and De-democratization Paths in Ecuador's Communications

Starting from the fact that politics in Ecuador have historically generated the legal and material conditions necessary for an accentuated de-democratization of communications in this country, this article analyzes the "state activism" carried out by Rafael Correa's administration regarding mass media. Instead of assuming that this activism -which is implemented by a political regime with populist qualities-necessarily leads to democratization of media communications, this article recognizes its accomplishments and takes caution on governmental actions that have resulted in a loss of democratic exercise.