The support body, set up primarily to help anti-corruption journalists, has just produced an annual report detailing its work in 2001.
Among the writers it has helped are a Bolivian reporter from El Diario y Los Tiempos, who lost an eye due to an attack after writing a story on police corruption.
In another case a radio reporter was killed after reporting on corruption in the Honduran government.
As well as offering a discussion list, the PFC offers investigative support to writers, puts them in touch with other support bodies or journalists, and tells them where to go for legal help.
The report says: "Much of the work entails responding to hundreds of emails from journalists who want to share their reports, discuss obstacles to reporting in their countries, and request ideas about how to approach a specific case.
"The majority of journalists have limited access to the internet and use it basically for emailing... a minority frequently surf the web and use its resources in their day-to-day activities.
"Some reporters acknowledged that their investigations had been made possible through PFC information and contacts. Others pointed out how PFC helped them obtain training. Several mentioned PFC being a big player in their freedom of information cases. The list serve and networking were cited as the best communication mechanism available to Latin American journalists."
Sources:
www.cipe.org/pfc/english/reports/200201.html
www.cipe.org/pfc/perseguidos/caso_wayar_bo.htm
www.cipe.org/pfc/perseguidos/mynor_alegria.htm
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