Buenos Aires Press Union Protests Telam Closure

The Buenos Aires press union protests outside the Telam state-owned news agency building in the city center after its closure by President Javier Milei's government.

The 79-year-old news organization shut down after the Argentine government accused Telam of spreading 'propaganda' for previous leftist administrations.

Argentina's government suspended the Telam state news agency in the wake of an announcement by President Javier Milei that he would shut down what he called a mouthpiece of "propaganda" for previous leftist administrations.

Telam, which has been operating for eight decades and has more than 700 staff, is the latest casualty of Milei's drive to shake up or shut state institutions since taking office in December.

Presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni told a press conference that the seven-day suspension, during which staff will be paid, comes as the government works to finalize the closure of the agency.

"This has nothing to do with freedom of expression or press freedom," he said, adding that Telam had suffered estimated losses of up to $23 million in 2024, without giving details.

Milei announced the closure of the agency during a speech at the opening of Congress, saying it had been "used for decades as an agency of Kirchnerist propaganda" -- referring to the leftist political ideology of former president Cristina Kirchner, and her husband Nestor.

Telam was created in April 1945 by labor secretary Juan Domingo Peron, who would go on to serve three terms as president.

It published more than 500 national news articles and 200 photos daily, as well as content for video and radio clients.

In February, the government announced it would "modify" the structure of all state media, including Telam and national television and radio stations.