Head of Mexico’s largest newspaper chain: Journalist safety challenge amid drug cartel threats

Media CEO: Journalist safety a challenge in Mexico

SAN ANTONIO — Journalists with Mexico’s largest newspaper chain are changing their driving routes, moving to more secure buildings and keeping their names off stories.

But the chief executive of Grupo Reforma says no one knows how to best protect them from Mexican drug violence.

Alejandro Junco de la Vega runs the largest print media company in Mexico and Latin America. After speaking at a World Affairs Council luncheon Thursday in San Antonio, he said his journalists are now offered bulletproof vests.

Junco moved his family to Texas in 2008, under growing threats from drug cartel operatives that authorities blame for killings and kidnappings. But he still commutes to Mexico for work.

Mexico is considered among the deadliest countries for journalists in the Americas.