Abstract

This article examines the role of the Canadian press as corporate watchdog. A content analysis of Canadian newspapers over a five-year period reveals that human rights abuses perpetrated by Canadian mining companies in Guatemala are under-reported. Sourcing constraints, lack of newsworthiness and other traditional journalism standards help explain why this story is ‘missing’ in the traditional press. Reporting critical of the mining companies was produced principally by individual journalists with a personal interest in the issue; however readership and ownership patterns in the Canadian media detract from the potential influence that this independent reporting may have.

Keywords: watchdog, under-reporting, Guatemala, corporate social accountability, Canada, accountability

How to Cite:

Haberman, C., (2017) “Canadian Mines, Indigenous Communities and Accountability in Guatemala: What Role for the Media?”, Westminster Papers in Communication and Culture 7(2), 70-97. doi: https://doi.org/10.16997/wpcc.146