What is CAIMA?
CAIMA stands for the Central America Independent Media Archive.
Our mission is to preserve the invaluable work of independent Central American journalists, in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama, who document critical events and fight for truth amidst authoritarian threats. This archive safeguards their legacy, ensuring historical evidence endures.
Why It Matters
In recent years, Central American journalists have faced severe repression. From unlawful detentions, equipment seizures, and closure of media outlets to forced exile and prison sentences. In 2022, elPeriódico—a cornerstone of Guatemalan journalism known for its fearless investigative work—was forced to close after nearly three decades. This shutdown occurred amid intense political persecution and the arrest of its founder, Jose Rubén Zamora. The loss of elPeriódico erased years of essential reporting, limiting access to crucial insights for historians, policymakers, and the public. CAIMA emerged in response to this loss with a determination to protect the stories that shape our understanding of democracy and authoritarianism in Central America.
Our Goals
Our first priority is the establishment of a secure archive where the work of Central American independent media is safely preserved and inaccessible to censors and those who seek to suppress the truth.
Secondly, we aim to create a comprehensive, searchable database that allows journalists, researchers, and the public to access and understand Central America’s recent history, through the lens of those who have tirelessly documented it.
Lastly, CAIMA serves as a blueprint for archiving independent media in regions facing repression. With the guidance and technical support of the Russian Independent Media Archive, we aim to offer our toolkit to journalists and media activists worldwide.
What We Collect
CAIMA is archiving the work of independent media outlets in Central America, with the archive of elPeriódico forming the cornerstone. This is a living archive, vital for those fighting authoritarianism. Our mission is to support free expression, document the tactics used by oppressive regimes, and expose the manipulation of historical narratives. We believe CAIMA is indispensable for justice.
How We Define Independent Media in Central America
What You Can Do
Subscribe to Our Updates: Stay informed on our progress by joining the CAIMA mailing list.
Collaborate with Us: If you are a journalist or researcher and wish to contribute, reach out.
Share Your Insights: If you know how we can improve our archive or have found an error, let us know.
Founding Team
Ramón Zamora – is an anthropologist and social researcher focused on culture, technology, and social innovation. He serves as the coordinator of elArchivo, the Central American Independent Media Archive.
José Zamora – is a journalist and longtime media executive in the U.S. He is a JSK Stanford Fellow and currently serves as strategic communications advisor at elArchivo, the Central American Independent Media Archive.
John Burns – is an educator, poet, translator, and Associate Professor of Spanish at Bard College. He serves as the Academic Advisor for elArchivo, the Central American Independent Media Archive.
Partners and Funders
The Central America Independent Media Archive is a collaborative project made possible by the support of our partners and funders:
Bard College – CAIMA is hosted at Bard College, which supports its mission to preserve independent journalism and empower communities across Central America.
RIMA – Russian Independent Media Archive, our technical partner, whose experience has been crucial in establishing CAIMA’s foundation.
USAID – This initiative is made possible with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which administers the U.S. foreign assistance program providing economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 80 countries worldwide.
Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine – Providing essential support and infrastructure for the archive.