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La Prensa Panama: How Reading the News Can Make You a Better Expat

La Prensa Panama

La Prensa Panama

Technology has done much to improve expats’ ability to stay informed in their new countries.  Today’s retirees can sit in a cafe and read a copy of La Prensa, Panama’s highest circulating newspaper, while they peruse expat news outlets online.  A few decades ago, they’d have been lucky to find a days-old copy of some slanted commentary propagated by the government.

For expats in Panama who want to stay on top of the goings-on, there are many options available.  There are national news outlets that report on the latest headlines affecting the nation.  There are also those specifically tailored for expats, which are often found online and can be either authored by local marketers who are reaching out to newcomers or by other expats who want to offer information that is relative to others in their community.

There are also television news outlets and radio stations.  With the exception of one government-owned TV channel and one radio station, all news outlets in Panama are privately owned.  Many, such as La Prensa, can also be translated online.

Most expatriates read, watch, and listen to some combination of the above.  And their selections often depend largely on their level of understanding of the native language, as well as the availability of internet, satellite, and radio in their area.  Many also use the internet to stay abreast of news and developments from “back home” as well.

What do we recommend for the expat who wants to be informed?

Read the local news too.

Here Are Some Reasons You Should Read the Local News

  1. It’s a great way to stay current with the concerns of the nation.  And, quite frankly, it’s a great way to know which areas to avoid when there’s a protest going on.  While you likely aren’t dying to get involved in the politics of a new country (especially if your political frustrations were part of the reason you left your old one), having at least a general understanding of the local and national issues is just a good idea.
  2. You can also stay informed on major infrastructure issues.  Things like road closings and airport expansions can affect your travel.  Plans for new construction projects can also have a bearing on decisions like where to buy property.  Since Panama continues to invest heavily in this area, it’d be smart to know more about how the proposed changes might affect you.
  3. Speaking of change, the laws tend to do it a lot.  From new visa requirements to tax incentives to driver’s licenses, it’s always something.  Whatever the process was the last time around, there’s no guarantee it’ll stay the same.  Be proactive and learn about any new requirements ahead of time, not after you’ve already spent half your day in line.
  4. Expat news, while helpful, might sometimes be better labeled as “expat gossip.”  Don’t be misinformed.  When new laws, changes, and projects are implemented, get your information directly from the source.  It’s a good way to avoid getting your hopes up unnecessarily or getting yourself in a lot of trouble if you’ve relied on inaccurate info.  Look to expat media outlets when you’re searching for a gringo poker night, not when it’s time to apply for a visa.
  5. Staying informed provides you with a much more integrated approach to living abroad.  If you’ve taken the adventure of a lifetime and relocated to Latin America, then you likely want to do everything you can to truly experience life in a new context.  You can’t do that if you only tune in to what’s going on with other people like you.
  6. Reading Panamanian news is a great way to acquire and hone language skills.  It’s one thing to be able to order arroz con pollo.  It takes a lot more skill to comprehend an article about the ins and outs of the Canal expansion.  While it may be difficult at first, you’ll eventually get the hang of it.

A Word of Caution

While Panama technically enjoys freedom of the press, the government tends to frown on any content that is critical of the government or threatens to expose any corruption.  Journalists can face criminal charges for libel or slander against high-ranking officials, so most tend to practice self-censorship.

The bottom line is that the government has an agenda; the newspapers have an agenda.  And most of the time, those aims don’t exactly align.  Read with that filter and the local papers will be beneficial.

La Prensa Panama

“La Prensa” which translates to “The Press,” is also the name of Panama’s largest newspaper.  Founded in 1980, La Prensa Panama was created to oppose Panama’s military dictatorship.  Since then its many ground-breaking reports have left quite a mark on the country’s political history.

Here is a list of some of the other most popular newspapers in Panama, along with their websites.

La Prensa www.prensa.com

Panama America www.panamaamerica.com.pa

Critica www.critica.com.pa

El Siglo www.elsiglo.com

La Estrella www.laestrella.com.pa

Mi Diario www.midiario.com

Dia a Dia www.diaadia.com.pa

Metro Libre www.metrolibre.com

Pick up a copy or read online.  Promote freedom while you read about the latest in sports and weather!

 

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