Local politicians own several major news outlets. Jaime Rosenthal, a businessman and unsuccessful candidate in the PL's December 3 presidential primary, owns the television channel Canal 11 and the daily Tiempo . The Honduran press has often been accused of succumbing to political influence and publicizing high-profile government officials, politicians, and businessmen while ignoring other voices. Journalists are also vulnerable to bribery and other economic pressure because of their low salaries. There have been credible reports of payments made by politicians and businessmen to journalists in exchange for favorable coverage.
More independent journalism can be a dangerous business.
There were also reports of harassment against journalists who covered environmental degradation. Under the 1972 Organic Law of the College of Journalists of Honduras, all journalists must register with the college, for which one needs a university degree in journalism or a related field. Journalists who break this law can be fined. The journalist was attacked by two men who got out of a white van with no license plates and shot him in the forehead. Pineda, who was wearing a helmet, survived the attack, but was left crippled and bleeding.