The role of the media in troublesome scenarios

Citizen dissatisfaction with political power, the media coverage of these manifestations, and new challenges for journalists were some of the issues analyzed during the XIX Euro-Latin-American Communication Forum held in Panama between October 14 and 16. 

For Ricardo Corredor, Executive Director of the Fundación Nuevo Periodismo Iberoamericano (Fnpi) (Ibero-American New Journalism Foundation), although the region is experiencing economic growth, there are many pending debts that impose new scenarios for journalists. "We are living very interesting events: protests and millions of people on the streets (...) maybe it is the other face of a process of economic growth that seems to be reaching a limit. There is growth, there is disenchantment, and many challenges". 

At the same time, Susana Pinilla, CAF's Director Representative in Panama pointed out that the communications media are a tool to strengthen sustainable development in this continent. "Journalism and knowledge may help construct a long term vision of Latin America, a continental vision that allows us to consolidate the processes so that growth generates inclusion and we may reduce poverty". 

With respect to the informative treatment of these situations, Adriana Amado, Argentinean doctor in Social Sciences, teacher and media researcher, considers that current situtions have to be analyzed and addressed in a different manner. 

"To be right ahead of time is the same as being wrong, and the media cannot be wrong (...) maybe the way out is to find that place in the conversation. Not to be the one who makes the front page but the one who accompanies that different look, and if society decides to take on the case, the newspaper is flexible enough to be one more ". 

The event, organized by CAF, Development Bank of Latin America, the Association of European Journalists) and the Fnpi, in the framework of the Ibero-American Summit of Chiefs of State and of Government, was supported by the Ibero-American General Secretariat.