Originally aired on FSRN

HOST INTRO: Journalists held marches across Mexico over the weekend to call attention to a rising tide of violence against the media and to protest the impunity surrounding the cases of dozens of murdered reporters. Shannon Young files this report from Mexico City.

[dewplayer:http://www.fsrn.org/audio/download/7287/20100809sy.mp3]

(reading names)

The Mexico City march began by reading the names of the 64 press workers murdered in the past decade. Ten journalists have been killed so far this year, putting 2010 on target to be the deadliest year ever for Mexican reporters. Eleven others are officially considered “missing persons”.

A column of around 1000 journalists and supporters participated in the silent march to Mexico’s Interior Ministry. Reporters held smaller demonstrations in 11 other Mexican cities.

Continue Reading

Originally produced for Radio Netherlands and also aired on FSRN

An estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants live in the US. Many have arrived via a clandestine border crossing. The actual feat of crossing the border requires steady nerves and physical exertion. Many first-time crossers are not fully aware of what to expect. But would-be migrants and the curious can get a taste of what it’s like at an ecotourism park in Central Mexico.

[dewplayer:http://www.fsrn.org/audio/download/7278/20100806sy.mp3]

Visitors begin to congregate in a parking lot in El Alberto after sundown, chatting amongst themselves in small groups. At about 9pm, Ernesto Oliva stands on the flat bed of a pick up truck and calls out the names of the people who have signed up for a 5 hour walk.

Continue Reading