Choosing six Mexican newspapers representing an ideological range from liberal to conservative, a study analyzed the content of the newspapers' editorials and political columns from 1951 through 1980. Data established that Mexican newspapers, contrary to many critics' judgments, criticized government policies and political figures. They did, however, treat the presidents more gently than cabinet members, not usually criticizing them directly. While conservative newspapers tended to criticize liberal presidents, the amount of criticism all newspapers engaged in fluctuated. (MM)