TED Talks Daily Caracas' magic bus | Far Flung
Jul 3, 2022
In Caracas, journalists are defying censorship by delivering news on public buses. El Bus TV cleverly uses a cardboard TV to engage communities and combat misinformation. Amidst political turmoil, they transform a simple bus ride into a vibrant storytelling platform. The initiative not only fosters trust but also reconnects locals with vital information. This creative fusion of journalism and performance art showcases the power of resilience and the importance of accessible news in challenging times.
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Internet Censorship and Disillusionment
- Internet access is limited in Venezuela, and the government sometimes shuts it down to suppress protests.
- This information gap, coupled with state-run media's control, leads to public disillusionment with the political situation.
El Bus TV's Origin
- Laura Elena Castillo, co-founder of El Bus TV, uses journalism to address the information gap.
- The idea for El Bus TV emerged from a collaboration with artist Claudia Lizardo, who designed the cardboard TV frame.
Building Trust with Bus Drivers
- El Bus TV presenters initially faced skepticism from bus drivers concerned about political content.
- To gain trust, they start with service news and local stories before addressing political topics.