The recent programming decisions of RTVC, Colombia's public broadcasting system, are sparking intense debate and raising questions about the entity's commitment to informative pluralism and responsibility. This controversy stems from a special program dedicated to Manuel Marulanda Vélez, alias 'Tirofijo,' the deceased leader of the FARC guerrilla group. The program, aired on Señal Colombia's 'El Calentao,' featured an interview with Sandra Ramírez, Marulanda's widow, and presented a perspective on the former guerrilla leader that many critics are denouncing as an attempt to whitewash his image and legacy.
A Contentious Homage
According to Pulzo.com (2025), the broadcast included images of 'Tirofijo' in a FARC camp in Caquetá, with Sandra Ramírez describing the scene in what some viewers perceived as a romanticized manner. This portrayal glossed over the severe atrocities committed in these camps, including kidnappings, murders, and violations. Ramírez recounted an anecdote about Marulanda interacting with a small bird, presenting him as a caring figure, an image that starkly contrasts with his history as the leader of a violent insurgency.
«We were in a camp, on the bank of a river called Platanillo towards the mountain range, and it turns out that the comrades had caught a little chick, which they cared for like the apple of their eye, and he simply bends down to talk to it. We called the little bird bolitas,» Ramírez stated, according to Pulzo.com (2025).
The decision by RTVC to dedicate airtime to this special has drawn criticism from various sectors, who view it as insensitive to the victims of the FARC and a distortion of historical truth. Following a wave of negative reactions, RTVC removed the program's promotional post from its X (formerly Twitter) account.
Reactions and Defenses
The controversy deepened with the response of William Parra, director of RTVC Noticias, who allegedly praised Marulanda and proposed preserving items related to him as part of Colombia's historical heritage. This stance has fueled accusations that RTVC is promoting a biased narrative that favors the guerrilla leader's memory, in contradiction to the principles of impartiality and objectivity that should guide public media.
Pulzo.com (2025) reports that Parra said, «Very nice image of Marulanda, they are going to accuse me of many things, very tender talking to a little bird. Who would have imagined that? He wanted to set up a museum of Marulanda, alias 'El paisa', head of the Teófilo Forero column, I think they should donate it to film heritage, here we deliver it to Señal Memoria so that it is saved, it is part of the history of Colombia.»
Journalist Diana Saray expressed her outrage at the portrayal, highlighting the contrast between the romanticized image of Marulanda and the horrific experiences of victims of the FARC. Saray referred to a specific instance of a minor forced to abort her pregnancy by Marulanda, questioning the insensitivity of glorifying a man responsible for such acts.
The journalist strongly criticized this embarrassing scene at RTVC and described the events with surprise: «I hear this after I just heard the story of another victim, who tells how a minor knelt before Marulanda begging him not to force her to abort her baby, the result of the fact that she was already 8 months pregnant and even so she forced her to abort [sic]. Aren't you really outraged by this exaltation now of these murderers?» (D. Saray Giraldo, 2025).
Broader Context: Media and Government Tensions
This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing tensions between the Colombian government and the media. President Gustavo Petro has openly criticized Caracol, RCN, and Canal Uno for their opposition to broadcasting the council of ministers’ sessions. These channels argue that the broadcasts, presented as public addresses, do not adhere to constitutional requirements and disrupt their programming schedules. This dispute has escalated to legal action, with the media outlets seeking to protect their editorial autonomy.
The Debate Over Historical Memory
The RTVC controversy underscores the complex and often contentious issue of historical memory in Colombia, particularly concerning the armed conflict and the role of various actors involved. The portrayal of figures like 'Tirofijo' is highly sensitive, given the deep wounds inflicted by the FARC and the ongoing efforts to achieve reconciliation and justice for victims. Public media, in particular, are under scrutiny to ensure that their content is balanced, accurate, and respectful of the diverse perspectives within Colombian society.
Ethical Considerations for Public Media
The incident also raises ethical questions about the role of public media in shaping public opinion and promoting certain narratives. While public broadcasters have a mandate to provide diverse and informative content, they must also adhere to principles of impartiality and avoid promoting propaganda or whitewashing the actions of controversial figures. The RTVC case highlights the challenges of navigating these competing demands in a context of political polarization and historical trauma.
Looking Ahead
As the debate over RTVC's programming continues, it remains to be seen how the controversy will impact the media landscape in Colombia. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of media accountability, editorial independence, and the need for a critical examination of historical narratives. Ultimately, the ability of Colombian society to engage in open and honest dialogue about its past will be crucial for building a more just and peaceful future.
References
Pulzo.com. (2025). RTVC se prestó para idolatrar a 'Tirofijo' y hasta hizo especial de su muerte: "Patrimonio". Retrieved from https://www.pulzo.com/nacion/rtvc-presto-para-idolatrar-tirofijo-hizo-especial-sobre-su-muerte-PP4410241
