Professional development
The development of the journalistic career is weak in Honduras, given that it has been structured in a context of strong clientelism and economic, political and social tensions, which has deepened in the years since the constitutional break of 2009. A National Protection Mechanism has been put in place to prevent the murders of journalists, social communicators and justice operators of Honduras. To this date 42 journalists and 25 social communicators receive protection.
The job precariousness with which journalism is exercised in Honduras can be explained by the low monthly minimum wages they receive (US$600), which is much better than in other Central American countries but is still far from the ideal minimum wage of US$800. Many of the communication companies in the country do not pay such amount.
Dagoberto Rodríguez, President of the Journalists Association of Honduras, stated that "our system has a capital of over L400m in shares, buildings and cash, which guarantees this right to our members." However, the lack of growth of affiliates in journalist associations weakens the social prevention systems. The future of those who practice journalism in Honduras is not promising. Amongst organisations, only the CPH has managed to maintain and strengthen a system of social prevention "that guarantees a decent retirement to the journalist who has reached retirement age."
The university extension program of UNAH, and specifically its journalism school, has some agreements or relations with various commercial media in order for students to perform their professional practice there. However, the Honduran community media have contemplated the possibility of signing a specific agreement with the universities, so that journalism students, originating from the areas where community radios and TVs are operating, can do their professional practice at home. Meanwhile, institutions such as CPH and UNITEC have managed to sign an agreement with international institutions, to offer opportunities for specialisation in master's degrees, or doctorates, so that communication professionals can specialise in different areas.