Cobertura informativa de la defensa territorial en Ecuador: medios comunitarios vs medios nacionales e internacionales: caso Mecheros

Abstract

Abstract: This study analyzes the media construction of the Mecheros Case in the Ecuadorian Amazon, examining how community, national, and international media portray the environmental and social impacts of gas flaring associated with oil extraction. Using a mixed-methods approach, combining content analysis, semi-structured interviews, and media impact assessment, significant differences were found in narrative approaches, sources cited, and representation of affected communities. Community media prioritize local testimonies and human rights claims, while national outlets predominantly reproduce institutional and governmental voices, using technical and formal language. International media, in contrast, emphasize a critical, global perspective, incorporating insights from NGOs and experts. Data coding highlighted how media narratives shape conflict visibility, public perception, and pressure on environmental policies, underlining the importance of strengthening media that amplify Amazonian communities and promote environmental justice.