The landscape of public media in Colombia is currently experiencing a whirlwind of controversy. RTVC, the country's public broadcasting system, is finding itself at the center of heated debates following a recent programming decision. Accusations of promoting a biased narrative and violating the principles of informative pluralism are being hurled at the institution, igniting a national conversation about the role and responsibility of state-funded media.
A Contentious Broadcast
The heart of the storm revolves around a segment aired on RTVC's program ‘El Calentao’. The show featured Sandra Ramírez, the widow of Manuel Marulanda Vélez, also known as ‘Tirofijo,’ the deceased leader of the FARC guerrilla group. The broadcast commemorated the anniversary of Marulanda's death, prompting strong reactions and allegations of turning a figure responsible for immense damage into a national hero.
According to a report by Redacción Nación (2025) for Pulzo, the segment included images of ‘Tirofijo’ in a FARC camp in Caquetá, with Sandra Ramírez offering what some perceive as a romanticized description of the scene. This portrayal sparked outrage, particularly given the well-documented atrocities committed within these camps, including kidnappings, murders, and sexual violence.
«Estábamos en un campamento, a la orilla de un río que se llama Platanillo hacia la cordillera y resulta que los camaradas habían cogido un pichoncito, que lo cuidaban como la niña de sus ojos y él sencillamente se agacha a hablarle. Al pajarito le decíamos bolitas», Ramírez reportedly stated, as quoted by Redacción Nación (2025).
The Aftermath and Justifications
Following a wave of criticism, RTVC removed the post from its X (formerly Twitter) account. However, the controversy escalated further when William Parra, the director of RTVC Noticias, publicly praised Marulanda, seemingly contradicting President Gustavo Petro's call for informative veracity.
Parra reportedly lauded the image of Marulanda as “tender” and suggested that objects belonging to ‘El Paisa,’ the head of the Teófilo Forero column (a notorious FARC unit), should be donated to Señal Memoria, RTVC’s archive, to become part of Colombia’s history (Redacción Nación, 2025).
Reactions and Criticisms
The broadcast and subsequent defense have drawn sharp criticism from various sectors. Journalist Diana Saray voiced her dismay, contrasting the sympathetic portrayal of Marulanda with the stories of victims who suffered under his command.
«Escucho esto después de que acabó de oír el relato de otra víctima, que cuenta cómo una menor se le arrodilló a Marulanda rogándole que no la obligara a abortar a su bebé, fruto de que ya llegaba a los 8 meses de gestación y aún así la obligó a abortar [sic]. ¿No les indigna de verdad esta exaltación ahora de estos asesinos?», Saray questioned in a post on X, as reported by Pulzo's Redacción Nación (2025).
The Broader Context: Media and Government in Colombia
This incident occurs amidst ongoing tensions between President Petro and some of Colombia’s major media outlets. The president has clashed with Caracol, RCN, and Canal Uno over their opposition to broadcasting the council of ministers' meetings, which they view as an unconstitutional use of airtime. The media outlets have filed a tutela (legal protection action) to defend their programming rights.
The Debate on Historical Memory
The situation underscores the complex and often contentious debate surrounding historical memory in Colombia. How should the country remember its violent past, particularly the figures who played central roles in the conflict? Should public media platforms provide a space for all voices, even those associated with armed groups, or should they prioritize the perspectives of victims and condemn those responsible for atrocities? These are the questions currently being grappled with in Colombia's public discourse.
The controversy surrounding RTVC's program is more than just a media squabble. It reflects deeper societal divisions and raises fundamental questions about the role of public media in a country striving to reconcile with its past. The coming weeks and months will likely see continued debate and scrutiny as Colombia navigates these challenging issues.
- Plurality and responsibility: The need for diverse perspectives and accountability in media.
- Historical Memory: How a nation remembers and interprets its past conflicts.
- Role of Public Media: The responsibilities and obligations of state-funded media outlets.
This incident serves as a reminder of the crucial role media plays in shaping public opinion and influencing national narratives. It also highlights the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity and upholding the principles of truth and objectivity, particularly in societies grappling with complex historical legacies.
