Freedom House

http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=251&year=2009

- Colombia's press is partially free

- A new criminal procedure code took effect on January 1, 2008, raising hopes that it would curb impunity and judicial inefficiency with respect to crimes against journalists

- Remains as one of the world's most dangerous countries for journalists

-According to the Foundation for Freedom of the Press (FLIP), threats to journalists and violations of press freedom diminished by 15 and 20 percent, respectively, during the year

- Most of the country’s media outlets are controlled by groups of private investors. Independent and privately owned print and broadcast media are generally free to express a variety of opinions and cover sensitive issues without restrictions. The government operates one educational and two commercial television stations, along with a national radio network

- There were few reported cases of government monitoring or censoring of the internet, which was accessed by close to 39 percent of the population in 2008. However, indigenous communities in western Colombia complained that their online media pages were blocked following confrontations with the military.

Colombia Local News Media

http://www.mondotimes.com/1/world/co

A list of newspapers, radio and television stations in Colombia by city

Media Conglomerate

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/02/23/colombia.magazine/index.html

"Colombia lost one of its best-known independent magazines...when the parent company of Cambio suddenly announced it was ceasing publication."

There is reason to believe that the closing was not linked to economic results but to nonconformity -- to an editorial line that denounces and criticizes the government."

This movement has all the characteristics of censorship.

Cambio had been a strong voice against the Colombian government, yet Government officials deny its closing due to the government.

"When news erupted in February that national intelligence agents had subjected journalists, politicians, judges and human rights defenders to illegal phone tapping, e-mail interception, and surveillance for much of the decade, it created a well-founded perception that the Colombian government was closely and constantly watching the press and other critics," the report said.

Which raises the question: "To what extent can a media conglomerate be independent if it has so many interests with the government?"

The Colombian Flag

Colombian Flag Meaning:
There is no official meaning of the Colombian flag; however there are two popular theories on the meaning behind Colombia's flag's colors. One states that the yellow symbolizes sovereignty and justice; the blue stands for nobility, loyalty and vigilance; while the red represents valor, honor, generosity and victory through bloodshed. The second interpretation states the yellow stands for universal liberty; the blue for the equality of all races and social classes before God and the law; and red means fraternity. There is also a popular Colombian children's song which resonates - "yellow is our gold, blue is our vast seas and red is the blood that gave us our freedom".

Colombian Flag History:
The Colombian flag was adopted on November 26, 1861, making it one of the world's oldest flags. Colombia declared independence from Spain on July 20, 1810

Embera

An Embera family

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/04/21/world/americas/20090422-colombia-indians/index.html

In Western Colombia, the Embera find themselves at the mercy of Armed groups fighting each other for control of the cocaine trade and forcing thousands of indigenous people to flee.