Efecto Cocuyo

Efecto Cocuyo is an independent Venezuelan media outlet that was born in a context of censorship and violation of human rights and that uses all its platforms for the free exercise of journalism and to guarantee access to information. Efecto Cocuyo was born on January 6, 2015, initially on Twitter and then as a website.

Today is an innovative digital communication platform with awebsite, www.efectococuyo.com, and social media channels. In addition it has the Escuela Cocuyo, a training program for journalists and communication professionals; the Festival Cocuyo, an annual innovation event; Venezuela Migrante, useful journalism for the migrant population; and Cocuyo Chequea, a fact-checking channel.

The name Efecto Cocuyo comes from the bioluminescent effect of the cocuyos, insects that generate light to protect themselves from their predators. In the Caribbean villages, the indigenous people used them as natural lamps to guide them on the road in the dark. Since the media was founded, it has maintained that despite the darkness, it is also a time of light in Venezuela. “We intend to make a responsible, free, and independent journalism. Our platform is the product of millions of sparks that together can illuminate an entire nation,” says Luz Mely Reyes, co-founder of the outlet.

In addition to Reyes, founding members also include Laura Weffer and Josefina Ruggiero, along with three young journalists: Ibis León, Jorge Agobian, and María Laura Chang, who walked the streets and buses of Caracas to launch Cocuyo’s first crowdfunding campaign, with which they sought to convince the public to support independent journalism. In the streets of Petare they were received by citizens who donated to the cause and the team undertook the most successful crowdfunding campaign in Venezuela, when it achieved the collection of 27,000 dollars, thanks to the donations of many “cocuyos” around the world.

Efecto Cocuyo’s executive team is made up of Luz Mely Reyes, as Director General, Laura Weffer as Editorial Director, and Josefina Ruggiero as Content Director. In 2016, the journalist Danisbel Gómez Morillo was added to the team as Director of Strategic Planning and Operational Management with responsibility for​​ diversifying financing sources and creating a sustainable editorial and business model. In 2020, Efecto Cocuyo renewed its commitment to credible journalism to strengthen democracy and promote people's right to be well informed. Its vision is to be “the most reliable and influential communication company in Venezuela”

Source: SembraMedia