Cristina Caicedo Smit

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.

Historic prisoner swap frees Americans imprisoned in Russia

Americans including Paul Whelan, Alsu Kurmasheva and Evan Gershkovich are freed from Russian prisons in a prisoner swap with Russia. Jessica Jerreat reports with Liam Scott and Cristina Caicedo Smit. Patsy Widakuswara contributed. Cameras: Martin Bubenik, Krystof Maixner, Hoshang Fahim.

'Undue Burden': One family's fight for American journalist's freedom

While Russia jails American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, her husband shoulders advocating for her safe release and caring for the couple's daughters

Peruvian media being intimidated with legal cases and attacks, journalists say

After investigative outlet IDL-Reporteros uncovered corruption, its team came under legal and physical attack

In a first since Cold War, Russia convicts American journalist in ‘sham' trial

Russia sentenced Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich to 16 years in prison Friday in a trial widely seen as a sham. VOA’s Steve Baragona narrates this report from Liam Scott and Cristina Caicedo Smit. Cameras: Martin Bubenik, Krystof Maixner, Hoshang Fahim.

In Peru, investigative journalist weathers physical and legal threats

An investigative media outlet in Peru uncovered high-level government corruption. Now their journalists are confronted with threats and legal action. For VOA News, Monica Várgas in Lima and Cristina Caicedo Smit in Washington have the story.