Plata o plomo: el crimen organizado como fuente de información periodística

摘要

The aim of this article is to explain, through the concept of Conflict Discourse System, the influence that Mexican organised crime exerts on the news-making process. The results of the analysis prove that, considered as sources of information, cartels frequently determine the agenda and framing of the coverage of the “war on drugs”; which is the outcome of the use of bribes or violence