Verification of the Public Discourse and Accountability of Mayors on Local TV: The Case of Ecuador

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to determine the veracity and contexts of the statements of Ecuador's mayors using fact-checking methodology. The research questions are: Are the public testimonies of mayors presented in local television news programmes true? What are the circumstances in which mayors present their speeches? To what extent does local journalism contextualize the mayors' statements? The research is descriptive and relational, using qualitative methodology based on the Ecuador Chequea protocol, focus groups and semi-structured interviews. A sample of audiovisual pieces broadcast between February 2020 and March 2022 was obtained. The statements are grouped in 10 axes, showing correspondence with the functions determined in the law. The statements of the governors are true, the proximity helps direct accountability, but weaknesses such as excessive prominence, publicity and short-term interests can be appreciated. Analyses of the quality of the declarations are needed, in broad pieces and with the corresponding cultural and political contexts. Efforts to make public administration transparent is a key aspect of open and e-government that will be achieved as long as citizens' information literacy is achieved.