Ecuador: RSF helps ensure press coverage of upcoming election amid energy crisis
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has launched a vital project to aid Ecuadorian journalists grappling with the impact of an ongoing energy crisis, helping them continue reporting in the lead-up to the country’s presidential elections in February 2025.
The RSF project in Ecuador supplies independent journalists and media outlets affected by the current energy crisis with the tools they need to continue reporting on critical topics — including crime, politics and environmental news — at a crucial moment in the country's democratic process.
To date, 75 power banks and power stations have been provided to over 50 journalists and 21 local outlets — including websites, radio stations and television channels — in 24 cities across the country. By providing this energy equipment, RSF aims to ensure that reporters can charge their professional gear, communicate securely, and file their stories without disruption. The project highlights the pressing need for broader measures to protect press freedom during crises — especially during electoral cycles, when reliable information is indispensable.
“Ecuador’s independent journalists are working under extraordinarily challenging conditions, made worse by the energy crisis. Ensuring that journalists can continue informing the public is essential to upholding the democratic process as an election approaches. This initiative reflects the RSF commitment to support journalists during crises, helping guarantee press freedom and protect those on the front lines of reporting.
Since September 2024, Ecuador has faced daily power outages lasting up to 16 hours, the result of intense droughts and problems with government management. The energy crisis has left journalists struggling to access reliable electricity, which they need to power their equipment, conduct investigations, and produce timely reports. What’s more, the crisis has been exacerbated by a surge in violence, and many journalists have been forced to travel through highly dangerous zones in search of power sources.
Media outlets such as GK, one of Ecuador's most widely read independent news sites, reported that they’ve found themselves facing grave risks both inside and outside the newsroom. The lack of energy affected their reporting even outside working hours, as the power cuts in journalists’ and editors’ homes prevented them from charging their mobile phones. Digital magazine Plan V and independent journalist Blanca Moncada Pesantes, who has worked for various regional and international outlets such as The Guardian and BBC, both told RSF that, after months of working short, uncertain hours, the RSF energy equipment helped alleviate serious challenges to their safety and ability to report news. In addition to distributing energy equipment, RSF has been working with local partner Periodistas Sin Cadenas since 2024 to strengthen Ecuadorian journalists’ safety practices. To date, over 130 journalists have received physical safety training that emphasises protocols during elections, protests and strikes.
These initiatives are part of ongoing RSF efforts to support independent journalism in Latin America and around the world — especially as conflict zones are currently more hazardous than usual for journalists, as detailed in the RSF 2024 Round-up report.
