The future of journalism may require rebuilding from the ground up, but the consensus is clear: journalism has a future. The XI ProCom Congress of Freelance and Entrepreneurial Journalism, a two-day event held at the Faculty of Information Sciences of the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), brought together students, professionals, and entrepreneurs to explore self-employment as a viable path in a rapidly evolving industry.
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Salvador Molina, President of the Association of Communication Professionals (ProCom), emphasized the enduring role of journalists, even in an era when artificial intelligence generates articles. He underscored the need for skilled editors capable of asking questions and analyzing AI-generated content.
Miguel Ormaetxea, editor of media-tics.com, highlighted the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism. He described the profession as being in its infancy in the digital era, presenting both challenges and opportunities.
The congress recognized the significance of podcasting as a new format for journalism. Silvia Cruz Lapeña, editor-in-chief of ‘El País Audio,’ discussed how podcasts can extend journalism’s reach globally. The podcasting format is not limited to traditional media, and it provides journalists with a new avenue for storytelling.
Corporate communication also emerged as a vital aspect of journalism. David García, Director of Communication at FCC Construction, discussed the importance of corporate communication in bridging the gap between companies and society.
The congress emphasized the value of entrepreneurship and innovation in journalism. Carmen Mª García, founder of Aqui y Ahora Media, highlighted the democratization of communication through digital platforms.
Despite the challenges, speakers encouraged students to explore entrepreneurship. Lorenzo Amor, President of the Association of Self-Employed Workers (ATA), acknowledged the risks of self-employment but stressed its importance, particularly for freelancers in journalism.
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The XI ProCom Congress demonstrated that while journalism faces transformation, opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation abound. Journalism’s future may look different, but it is far from bleak. As the industry evolves, the next generation of journalists will play a crucial role in shaping its path forward.