About
About the Citizen Observatory
We work to broaden the way we perceive our surroundings and to build a balanced environment with which we can relate in a healthy and constructive way.
We are a citizen initiative that brings together perspectives from different disciplines to understand public problems and contribute proposals for Colombia.
Our work focuses on three interrelated areas: the information we receive, the security conditions in which we live, and the education through which we build our capabilities. We are interested in how these factors shape individual decisions, coexistence, and the country’s prospects for development.
We promote a critical and constructive relationship with our reality: recognizing problems, examining their causes, and valuing the capabilities available to solve them.
Independence and editorial responsibility
Our approach is grounded in the analysis of evidence and the public interest. We evaluate the decisions of any government using the same criteria of rigor, social impact, and long-term responsibility.
Taking part in the Observatory does not imply endorsing the personal political positions of its members. Signed opinion pieces reflect the views of their authors; institutional statements will be expressly identified as such.
Team
Meet the people who contribute their experience and knowledge to the Citizen Observatory.
Barrios, Nestor. Physicist. Universidad Nacional.
López, Mauricio. Industrial Engineer, Universidad de Los Andes.
Mosquera, Laura. Lawyer. Universidad Santiago de Calí.
Pulido, Iván. Systems Engineer, Universidad de Boyacá.
Tools for analyzing information
We develop tools to examine coverage patterns and contribute input to citizen analysis. Their results should be interpreted together with the sources, the period studied, and the limitations of each method.
IRP
Country Relevance Indicator — IRP
Estimates how closely the analyzed content is linked to Colombia, according to the criteria of the methodology.
The result helps explore how much attention the country receives in the sample. On its own, it does not establish the quality of a news story or its public importance: international events can also have significant effects on Colombia.
IS
Sentiment Indicator — IS
Estimates the positive or negative orientation of the language in the analyzed texts.
It makes it possible to explore variations in tone across periods and comparable sets of news stories. It does not determine whether a piece of information is true, whether a media outlet is impartial, or whether a specific editorial intent exists. An average close to zero may reflect neutrality or a mix of opposing tones.
Coverage
Coverage distribution
Compares the share of content linked to Colombia with the share of content with no identified connection to the country, within a defined sample.
This comparison describes the composition of the coverage. Interpreting it requires taking into account the section, the period, and the classification criteria.
Media Observatory initiatives
Dialogue with media, universities and institutions
We seek to open spaces for exchange where interpretations can be compared and proposals discussed. The participation of journalists, researchers, public servants and citizens allows diverse experiences to be incorporated into the analysis.
Data to test claims
We examine claims of public interest using relevant sources and statistics. The analysis should make it possible to confirm, qualify or challenge a claim, and to identify when the available evidence is insufficient.
Conversia: technology to support fact-checking
Conversia is an initiative that explores the use of automated tools to identify posts that need to be checked against other sources and to make it easier to consult those sources.
Its purpose is to support the review of claims and the preparation of well-founded responses. Automated results may contain errors and should be weighed against the evidence and the context.
Corrections and information quality
The right of correction makes it possible to rectify false or inaccurate information on equitable terms. We encourage requests to identify precisely the statement being challenged and to provide verifiable evidence for its review.
News under the magnifying glass
Which coverage needs more context?
Share a news story and explain which aspect deserves review: its sources, its figures, its headline or how it relates to the content. Your observation can help improve public debate on information.
Contact
Let’s talk about Colombia
Write to us to share a proposal, provide information or explore a collaboration with our observatories. Describe the reason for your message and include any links or documents needed to understand it.
Email: info@observatorio-ciudadano.org
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Thank you for joining our effort to work toward a healthy legacy for future generations.