Conflict and the Mass Media in Chávez’s Venezuela by Eliza Tanner Hawkins, Assistant Professor Department of Communications Brigham Young University E-509 HFAC, BYU Provo, Utah 84602 Phone: 801-422-1696 Fax: 801- 422-0160 eliza.tanner@byu.edu March 2003 Prepared for delivery at the 2003 meeting of the Latin American Studies Association, Dallas, Texas, March 27-29, 2003. Please do not cite without permission from the author. Abstract The mass media have been integral players in the conflict dividing Venezuela since Hugo Chávez took power in 1998. This paper explores how the mass media, more than just reflecting the problems and issues of the day, are important political actors in society and shape the public sphere in Venezuela. Specifically, the paper examines Chávez’s use of the mass media, the roles of government-owned and alternative media, and the increasing politicization of the private media. The paper also highlights the status of press freedom and the challenges facing media organizations with the attendant implications this has for democracy.