Jazmín Acuña — “Journalism for Change: A Vision for the Future in the Era of AI”

Jazmín Acuña, director and co-founder of El Surtidor, proposes questioning the current crisis in the media sector by analyzing the mindset with which risks are confronted. According to Acuña, the traditional approach focused solely on producing “more and more content” is an inherited paradigm that distracts media outlets from their true potential: the desire to serve and facilitate social change. For the Paraguayan journalist, journalism must evolve toward a mission-driven model, where publishing is only the beginning and not the end of the news process.

This approach, which is particularly relevant in the Global South, views journalistic work as a form of human rights advocacy and a commitment to the prosperity of communities. Acuña highlights that what restores public trust is not metric growth, but care and a genuine commitment to the audience’s needs. By reporting with the intention of generating positive impacts—such as breaking down stereotypes or revitalizing civic action—journalism ceases to be one-sided, instead building consensus and a shared culture.

Looking to the future, Acuña’s proposal invites a transition from a top-down, vertical model toward one that fosters a sense of belonging and empowers people. This involves managing “common grounds” of information and gatherings that transcend the digital realm, expanding into physical spaces like coffee shops, concert series, or “journalism houses.” The ultimate goal is to provide citizens with the opportunity to understand the world collectively, weaving networks that find joy in community building.

Don’t miss the full talk! Watch Jazmín Acuña’s Lightning Talk at Media Party 2025 (English subtitles available).