Resumen

This article corresponds to a reflection on the use of mixed methodologies for research in media observatories, a recurrent practice in social communication programs. It is usual the use of quantitative methods for this type of studies, qualitative research is also found, however, the mixture of these tools is not common, so this paper will seek to present the advantages of its complementary use as a possibility of deepening in the investigative processes. Advances will also be presented in a study on threats to freedom of expression in media of the Coffee Region of Colombia based on the contractual relationship between media and journalists with State entities, in which mixed methods of investigation are used. This research carried out by the Observatory of Media and Opinion of the School of Communication of the University of Manizales presented a first advance in the last publication of this same regional of Afacom. (Millán, 2018).