King Defends Independent Journalism at Madrid Press Association Anniversary
Felipe VI calls for responsible journalism in an era of misinformation during the 130th anniversary celebration of the Madrid Press Association.
The Madrid Press Association (APM) celebrated its 130th anniversary on Tuesday with an awards ceremony held at the Palacio de Cibeles, Madrid's City Hall.
King Felipe VI attended the event, where he emphasized the essential role of journalism in contemporary societies characterized by extreme discourse and the rise of social media and artificial intelligence.
"In today’s times, you—journalists—emerge as essential figures for our coexistence," he stated.
This year, the APM awarded the Honorary Award to veteran journalist Fernando Ónega, the Young Journalist Award to Irene Dorta from _El Independiente_, the Local Information Journalist Award to Ana del Barrio from _El Mundo_, and the Journalist of the Year Award to Vicente Valles of Antena 3.
During the event, attended by the Minister of Justice, Félix Bolaños, and Madrid's Mayor, José Luis Martínez Almeida, Ónega delivered a speech applauding his fellow award recipients.
However, his remarks included a pointed critique of TVE, Spain's national public broadcasting corporation.
Ónega described the press as not being the 'fourth power,' but rather criticized gossip as a more influential guide of public opinion, suggesting that it has been prioritized in TVE's programming.
He expressed concern over the transition from an information society to one of disinformation, cautioning against the increasing dominance of social media over traditional media outlets.
King Felipe VI reiterated the importance of journalists pursuing a "free and independent" press.
He commended their responsibility and rigor in providing citizens with the information necessary to navigate an increasingly complex world.
María Rey, the president of the APM, highlighted the proliferation of media and social networks that facilitate the spread of false information, contributing to a significant loss of credibility and a crisis of trust in democracy.
She also pointed to the inadequate funding sources available for journalism, which result in low salaries for the profession.
Felipe VI supported Rey's comments, emphasizing the APM’s efforts to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of journalists.
King Felipe VI attended the event, where he emphasized the essential role of journalism in contemporary societies characterized by extreme discourse and the rise of social media and artificial intelligence.
"In today’s times, you—journalists—emerge as essential figures for our coexistence," he stated.
This year, the APM awarded the Honorary Award to veteran journalist Fernando Ónega, the Young Journalist Award to Irene Dorta from _El Independiente_, the Local Information Journalist Award to Ana del Barrio from _El Mundo_, and the Journalist of the Year Award to Vicente Valles of Antena 3.
During the event, attended by the Minister of Justice, Félix Bolaños, and Madrid's Mayor, José Luis Martínez Almeida, Ónega delivered a speech applauding his fellow award recipients.
However, his remarks included a pointed critique of TVE, Spain's national public broadcasting corporation.
Ónega described the press as not being the 'fourth power,' but rather criticized gossip as a more influential guide of public opinion, suggesting that it has been prioritized in TVE's programming.
He expressed concern over the transition from an information society to one of disinformation, cautioning against the increasing dominance of social media over traditional media outlets.
King Felipe VI reiterated the importance of journalists pursuing a "free and independent" press.
He commended their responsibility and rigor in providing citizens with the information necessary to navigate an increasingly complex world.
María Rey, the president of the APM, highlighted the proliferation of media and social networks that facilitate the spread of false information, contributing to a significant loss of credibility and a crisis of trust in democracy.
She also pointed to the inadequate funding sources available for journalism, which result in low salaries for the profession.
Felipe VI supported Rey's comments, emphasizing the APM’s efforts to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of journalists.
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