Introduction
Four and a half years have passed since the demise of Mexico’s state news agency, Notimex. While some argue that its downfall was due to the obsolescence of a communication model or the corruption within its bureaucracy, the fates of its last three directors general shed light on persistent errors and acts of sabotage that led to its end.
The Directors: A Shared Path
Sanjuana Martínez, Alejandro Ramos Esquivel, and Sergio Uzeta Murcio were appointed by the last three presidents of Mexico and shared two essential aspects: they left active journalism to join Notimex, where they struggled with labor representation and faced arduous administrative procedures.
Alejandro Ramos Esquivel
Ramos was subject to internal control investigations for administrative decisions. After resigning in 2018, he has been summoned for various clarifications. Uzeta faced two procedures initiated by Notimex’s Internal Control Organ (OIC), led by Guillermo Ayala Rivera, resulting in economic sanctions exceeding 3.9 million pesos and a 10-year ineligibility, valid until December 2021.
Sergio Uzeta Murcio
Two decades ago, Uzeta returned to public service as Pemex’s spokesperson under Raúl Muñoz Leos. During the Salinas administration, he worked in Los Pinos and met Alejandra Lajous, who later invited him to Channel 11 of the IPN. He became head of news division and the morning news program until 2003, when he joined Pemex. There, he met Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, who later appointed him as Notimex’s director.
Notimex’s Modernization and Internal Strife
In April 2006, the Chamber of Deputies approved a reform to establish Mexico’s state news agency. Then-President Vicente Fox Quesada couldn’t agree on a designee, leaving accountant Juan Pablo Muñoz Morales in charge for 15 months. Uzeta Murcio’s appointment, approved by the Senate’s full body, made him Notimex’s director for four years, with potential extension for another eight years.
Uzeta Murcio’s push for technological modernization received the Junta de Gobierno’s approval. However, Alejandra Sota Miraflores’ arrival as the Secretary of Government’s spokesperson marked a turning point. In December 2011, three months after his term ended, Uzeta Murcio was notified of investigations: one for authorizing Muñoz Morales’ indemnity and another for a potential conflict of interest regarding the establishment of the local chapter of the Foundation for Urgent Spanish.
The Controversy and Aftermath
Uzeta Murcio, intended to be the Foundation’s honorary director, had Junta de Governor’s approval and allocated up to seven million pesos for the project’s launch.
Uzeta Murcio claims the investigation resulted from internal and external pressures to weaken his leadership. The procedures led to a complete 10-year ban from public service, which he describes as a “hell” of persecution and professional exclusion. He attributes the persecution to political and labor interests within Notimex, especially then-union leader Conrado García (currently a fugitive).
Post-Sanction and New Beginnings
Following the fiscal tribunal’s decision, Uzeta Murcio resumed his professional activities. He first worked with an information agency that failed and later joined Sinergis, a digital firm. Currently, he is part of EjeCentral’s editorial council, OFEM Media Group’s daily.
Recent Developments
Two weeks ago, the replacement of INE’s national coordinator for communication social, María Carmen Urías Palma, who served only 14 months, was announced. Uzeta Murcio will be the third person to manage INE’s image in the last quadrennium.
High-Level Positions and Efficiency
Other high-level positions, including the Executive Secretaryship, have followed a similar pattern. This demonstrates President Consejera Guadalupe Taddei’s commitment to maximum efficiency and the council’s zero-tolerance policy for errors.
