Cristina Caicedo Smit

US media encounter challenges, celebrate victories in 2024

Arrests of journalists at protests, an elected official sentenced to prison for the murder of a reporter, and a historic deal to free American journalists from a Russian prison. Cristina Caicedo Smit recaps the biggest stories for U.S. media in 2024.

Assad downfall comes as family of American journalist held captive in Syria confirms he is alive and well

Twelve years after Austin Tice disappeared in Syria, the journalist’s family have received evidence he is alive. The fall of President Bashar Assad’s regime renews efforts to bring him home. With Liam Scott, Cristina Caicedo Smit has the story for VOA

Journalists in Bolivia face attacks, verbal assaults

Attacks on media covering protests come amid a declining environment for journalists in Bolivia, say analysts

Guatemalan journalist dedicates career to giving indigenous groups a voice

Guatemalan journalist Quimy de Leon wanted to amplify the voices of those affected by environmental issues and human rights abuses, so she helped found a media outlet that focuses on marginalized communities. She now has received a press freedom award. Cristina Caicedo Smit has the story.

'History is going on right now,' says Ukrainian journalist honored for her coverage

Journalists from Ukraine, Kenya, Jordan are recognized with Knight awards for their accountability journalism

Lack of justice makes media more vulnerable to attacks, analysts say

In countries experiencing war or internal conflict, attacks on journalists are happening with impunity. Watchdog groups say most killings of journalists in recent years have gone unresolved. With Liam Scott, Cristina Caicedo Smit has the story.

The Inside Story - Closing Arguments | 168

We are just days away from election day in America. Polls are still unable to project a leading candidate, and the candidates are continuing to campaign, making their final case to the voters. This week on "The Inside Story: USA Votes '24 - Closing Arguments."

By immigrants, for immigrants: 'Documented' covers immigration through a personal lens

In New York City, a media outlet run by immigrants for immigrants uses messaging apps to engage with communities on elections, crime and local issues. Liam Scott and Cristina Caicedo Smit have the story, narrated by Caicedo Smit. Tina Trinh contributed.

New York media outlet connects immigrants with news and resources

Documented covers what federal immigration policy means for immigrants who make New York City their home

Guatemalan publisher vows to keep defending his case from house arrest

Jose Ruben Zamora spent two years in prison on charges seen as retaliatory before being transferred to house arrest

Newsrooms train reporters on safety ahead of US elections

With threats and attacks on journalists in the U.S. rising and the presidential election drawing close, media associations are training journalists in how to stay safe. Liam Scott and Cristina Caicedo Smit have the story, narrated by Caicedo Smit. (Camera and video edited by Cristina Caicedo Smit)

As US presidential vote looms, newsrooms focus on how to stay safe

With rising hostility and distrust in media, news groups focus on safety training for teams covering the US election

The Inside Story - Israel-Hamas, A Year of War | 165

We report on the first anniversary of the deadly Hamas attack on Israel. The conflict continues to escalate, and Palestinians in Gaza continue to suffer. his week on The Inside Story: Israel-Hamas, A Year of War.

'A journey of death': How journalists have spent year covering Israel-Hamas war

The war marks the deadliest conflict on record for journalists, according to press freedom groups

A deadly year: How Israel-Hamas war affected media

The Hamas terror attack on Israel last October sparked a conflict that has become the deadliest in recent history for journalists and media workers. At least 116 of them – nearly all Palestinian -- have been killed. VOA speaks with reporters and media analysts about the situation.

Haitian media in US face threats after Trump debate comments

Journalists from Caribbean country navigate new challenges after Republican nominee's claims put Haitian immigrants in the spotlight.

The Inside Story - USA VOTES 2024 | 162

We report on a small town in Ohio at the center of the Presidential campaign. Plus, we cover the forces threatening U.S. election integrity. This week on The Inside Story: USA VOTES 2024.

US newsrooms combat fake news directed at Hispanic community

Hispanic audiences in the United States rely on social media for news, but disinformation on those platforms is rife. Newsrooms and media initiatives are finding new ways to combat false news and help audiences prepare for U.S. elections. Cristina Caicedo Smit has the story. Videographer: Tina Trinh

The Empty Chair: One family’s fight to bring jailed journalist home

The Empty Chair: One family’s fight to bring jailed American journalist home

Pavel Butorin spent nine long months fighting to secure the release of his wife, U.S.-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, from a Russian prison. His journey shows the challenges American families confront when a loved one is taken hostage or wrongfully detained by a foreign government.