The Press and the Fall of the Medina Government in Venezuela

The increasing instability of the Medina administration was reflected in its deteriorating relationship with the Venezuelan press, and ultimately the press played an active role in the administration's fall. Though Medina began his administration as a move toward democratization, elements of the press and other social and political groups came to believe that the pace of change and Medina's commitment to seeing it through were lacking. Elements of the press supported, then criticized, then openly opposed the government, demonstrating the important role a free press plays in the establishment and maintenance of a democratic society.