Professional development
The journalistic profession is devalued in Nicaragua and many graduate journalists have had to migrate to other sectors in order to survive. Journalists receive low salaries, equalling on average the minimum wage of US$180 and in many cases they lack social security, which makes it difficult to retire. Only state institutions of some companies offer salaries that are a bit higher than the minimum wage.
The law does not oblige journalists to be trained, but it does recommend it. Although universities like the UCA offer training, each journalist must assume the investment costs. There are few national organisations that finance training, such as the Violeta Barrios de Chamorro Foundation, and international organisations that provide online training such as the Fundación Iberoamericana de Nuevo Periodismo (Latin-american Foundation on New Journalism) and the Plataforma Internacional CONECTAS.
Low salaries, a dangerous environment and disrespect for the profession mean that young people are increasingly uninterested in studying communication. Journalists also face aggressions and are exposed to physical violence by the authorities. According to studies of both the Fundación Violeta Barrios de Chamorro (FVBCH) and the Colegio de Periodistas de Nicaragua (CPN) the Collegiate Law that was promulgated to dignify the career is not fulfilled, making journalists defenseless.