Impact of Javier Milei’s “Chainsaw Plan” on Télam: Agency’s Transformation and Future
The closure of the Télam news agency symbolized Javier Milei’s “chainsaw plan.” In early March, the government announced this closure, sealing the main headquarters and relieving 780 employees of their duties. Nine months later, around 230 workers remain, quietly producing journalistic and advertising content solely for government use.
At the Télam office on Avenida Belgrano, activity continues despite the closure. The Télam sign is covered, and reports are no longer sent to the public but instead support state-run radio and TV channels. Some employees are unclear about how their work is used.
The shift began in September. Before this, Télam was under government intervention, leading to a significant number of employees being let go. Of the original 780, 352 accepted voluntary retirement packages. According to Guillermo Francos’s report to the Senate, no formal layoffs occurred, except for five departures for “other reasons.” The remaining 412 were divided, with 233 transferring to Radio y Televisión Argentina while still working in the Télam building, and 200 joining a new agency formed by the government: the Agency of State Advertising (Apesau).
Franco’s report indicated that most journalists from remote areas opted for retirement, leaving only 28 who did not. These employees had their contracts transferred to Radio y Televisión Argentina. No legal claims have been filed regarding the job changes. An inventory of Télam’s assets is currently underway, and leases for correspondence offices have been terminated.
Today, the remaining employees produce notes, infographics, and videos exclusively for internal use. Their work is sent to public media, restricting access to a limited audience. Unlike before, the distribution to private media has ceased, leading to reduced income for these services.
Former employees create visual materials for television that they used to produce collaboratively with media outlets. Their work mainly focuses on official events and announcements, including press conferences led by spokesperson Manuel Adorni. They also prepare social media graphics and radio content for about 100 regional stations.
Francos stated in Congress that the transformation of Télam into Apesau meant the cessation of its previous journalistic services. Télam’s historical role as a news agency no longer exists, according to official reports.
The Télam building has now hosted official government programs, including “Programa de Economía y Finanzas,” produced by the Ministry of Economy. These programs use the infrastructure and personnel from the new agency.
New furniture is being added as channels like Paka Paka and Encuentro have moved in. The government aims for a unified operation among state media for collaborative content development. The building’s Wi-Fi signifies this new focus, branded as “Contenidos.”
The atmosphere has changed; the usual noise of a newsroom is absent, but the few journalists present remain focused on their tasks. As the restructuring of the former Télam continues, the production of propaganda is advancing faster than its journalistic counterpart.
On July 10, the journalists returned with stability confirmed. The Sindicato de Prensa de Buenos Aires quieted its protests, signaling a truce with the government. Employees preferred discretion about their work. The closure allowed the government to reduce its workforce while maintaining key personnel.
Two figures now vie for influence within the ex-Télam: Luciano Peralta, who established himself as the General Secretary of Editorial since December 10, 2023, and Damián Juárez, a veteran journalist with significant access to government circles.
The transformation from Télam to Apesau reflects the government’s plan to create a profitable agency, with 200 workers managing official advertising. Despite ongoing criticism, sources suggest Télam could return next year. The third Télam location continues to operate and oversee archives. The government aims to transfer Télam’s previous roles and assets to other public entities or affiliates.
Overall, the evolution of Télam into Apesau marks a significant shift in state media operations, characterized by reduced transparency and a focus on internal government needs.