New Quintana Roo Press Group Leader Calls for Consensus Journalist Protection Law

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Quintana Roo needs a protection law for journalists that is built on consensus, the newly installed head of the state’s communication professionals’ association said, arguing that press organizations must play a central role in defending freedom of expression.

Idalia Carrillo Beltrán, who was sworn in as president of the Colegio de Profesionistas en Comunicación for the 2026-2028 term, said the group is essential to blocking any attempt to restrict expression — and to shaping the debate around proposed legislation.

“The organization is a fundamental part of preventing actions that try to curtail freedom of expression, and of presenting valid arguments to enrich those proposals or, outright, stop them,” she said.

Carrillo Beltrán said Quintana Roo has fallen short on protecting journalists and called for deeper analysis of the issue, noting that Mexico remains a high-risk country in which to practice journalism.

“We cannot claim that guarantees exist 100 percent, but we have to fight and work for them,” she said.

Memes and accountability

Asked about a proposal to sanction people who create memes about politicians and public officials, Carrillo Beltrán said the measure is a topic that everyone in the profession should examine.

She also called for professionalizing media workers and for government information to reach all citizens through strategies that spark public interest.

On the limits of free expression, Carrillo Beltrán said the guiding principle is not harming third parties. She said that regardless of which political party holds power, reporting that steps on toes — backed by real information and investigation — will inevitably upset whoever is being scrutinized.

“What I believe those of us in communication must always keep in mind is that we have to do this with responsibility, with ethics and with the truth,” she said. “What the affected person may say falls into second place because you are exercising this profession with responsibility, with ethics and with real data.”