Canal de Gobierno, also known as Guatemala TV, is a television station that commenced broadcasting in 2014 under the administration of the Secretariat for Social Communication of the Presidency in Guatemala. Unlike traditional free-to-air channels, it does not possess its own broadcast frequency; instead, its content is relayed through the programming of partner stations. Viewers can also access its diverse programming through online streaming platforms.
Media assets
Television: Canal de Gobierno
State Media Matrix Typology
Ownership and governance
Canal de Gobierno operates entirely under the auspices of the presidential office, with its management falling squarely within the purview of the Secretariat for Social Communication. As an extension of the government, it is inherently overseen by the president’s administration.
Source of funding and budget
Up-to-date details regarding the funding allocated by the Secretariat for Social Communication of the Presidency to the channel remain scarce. Local journalists contend that the station operates entirely on government backing. During its inaugural year, it was granted GTQ 59m (approximately US$ 7.4m), enough to keep the wheels turning.
Editorial independence
The station’s content is under the government’s watchful eye, predominantly showcasing interviews with officials from various branches of the presidential office and government representatives. Its primary purpose is to broadcast and amplify information about the government, placing significant emphasis on the president’s official communications and his administration’s key messages.
Notably, no national legislation or impartial oversight mechanism has been recognized to ensure the editorial independence of the station, leaving its impartiality an open question.
April 2025