Meanwhile, Villarrubia had another problem. His research would eventually result in a documentary, and for that he needed compelling images. But neither the villagers in Chivilcoy nor the Germans living at La Solita were likely to agree to be filmed. So the CONTACTO editorial team decided that both the videographer and Villarrubia would carry hidden cameras.

The use of hidden cameras was a common tactic in CONTACTO investigations, and was widely used in Chilean journalism in general. Chilean law technically prohibited capturing private images and conversations. However, the courts had generally found in the journalist’s favor if the resulting report benefited the public. The point, proponents argued, was to capture images that could prove the otherwise unprovable. At CONTACTO, their use was subject to the discretion of the editor in charge.

Bazán Cardemil

Admittedly, there were problems. What happened if a journalist using a hidden camera was discovered by the authorities or, worse, by someone armed and dangerous? How could a reporter know in advance whether his story would be of vital public importance? Rodríguez acknowledged that the lines were somewhat fuzzy, and subjective.

Rodríguez