MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - MAY 11: Mexican journalist Carmen Aristegui attends a human rights conference on May 11, 2015 in Mexico City, Mexico. Aristegui, one of the foremost opinion leaders and journalists in Mexico was dismissed from MVS radio last March after revealing that Angelica Rivera, wife of President Enrique Pe?a Nieto and former soap opera star, had purchased a mansion in Mexico City from a government contractor, sparking accusations of conflicts of interest. Pe?a Nieto has reportedly denied the allegations. (Photo by Miguel Tovar/LatinContent/Getty Images)Miguel Tovar—STF LatinContent/Getty Images
- TitleHost and Reporter
- AffiliationAristegui Noticias
If the Fourth Estate is under siege worldwide, Aristegui stands as an immovable pillar. In Mexico, where nearly 100 journalists have been murdered or have disappeared in the past decade, Aristegui has spent 20 years exposing high-level corruption as a radio host and as the anchor of a show on CNN Español. She recently showed her reach and put pressure on the nation’s elite when her website, Aristegui Noticias, reported an alleged conflict of interest involving Mexico’s first lady, a contractor, and a $7 million home purchase.
“Aristegui is an example of what journalism should aspire to be: someone who courageously pursues the truth, holds power accountable, and defends democracy.”—Michael Schlein, President and CEO, Accion