Collaborative journalism and cross-border collaborations for newsafety: Navigating security and solidarity mechanisms in cooperative practices in Latin American news media

In an era of globalisation, journalism transcends national and cultural boundaries, with international events commanding significant media attention. This evolution necessitates researching the complex networks that produce news in our interconnected world. This study examines the transformative impact of collaborative journalism in Latin America, focusing on cross-border alliances and their dual role in enhancing journalistic safety and solidarity. Notable efforts such as Tierra de Resistentes, Lava Jato, and regional teams behind the Panama and Pandora Papers demonstrate the power of collective journalistic efforts in the region. This research investigates how journalists and news outlets implement cross-border coverage through quantitative and qualitative analysis, including a survey of 75 respondents across 15 Latin American countries and 19 in-depth interviews with media practitioners in 10 countries. Our findings reveal that the success of collaborative journalism depends on contextual factors and organisational frameworks that prioritise material support, effectively functioning as solidarity and security networks. These collaborations have significantly shaped public discourse despite challenging contexts, including underdeveloped economies and authoritarian regimes. Particular attention is paid to approaches to journalist security through partnerships, training initiatives, and consultancy. This study advances scholarly literature and practical understanding by demonstrating that collaborative journalism’s empowering potential in Latin America is realised primarily through its crucial role in fostering solidarity and implementing comprehensive safety measures for journalists.