Journalist Álvaro Higuera de Riaño, a graduate of Journalism at the Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO), has been awarded the 2nd Internship Prize established by the Association of Journalists of Cantabria (APC). Similarly, the jury awarded a runner-up prize to Ariana Suárez, a student of Degree in Journalism + Specialist Course in International Relations, for the reporting work done during her work placement at the radio station Onda Cero Cantabria.
In the case of Álvaro Higuera, he is being honored for his professional work carried out during the summer of 2026 at Agencia EFE, with particular recognition of the technical and analytical quality of his journalistic work in the region. The contest jury particularly praised Higuera’s news coverage, specifically the in-depth interview with historian Tomás Pérez Vejo. Similarly, the jury highlighted the graduate’s ability to accurately interpret the interviewee’s statements and opinions, gathering information of interest to the news agency and applying analytical skills.
For her part, the award given to Ariana Suárez recognizes her work at Onda Cero in Cantabria, where she produced various reports focusing on coverage of the concerts at Campa de La Magdalena, as well as Santander’s culinary offerings and Ecuadorian international cuisine. In her pieces, the jury highlighted her ability to distill information, her connection with the listener, and her excellent vocal control, which lends a natural feel to her interviews.
In the same line, the Association of Journalists of Cantabria has expressed its gratitude to the participants in this second edition of the contest, congratulating the winners and the authors of the other entries submitted. Since this award—which, as in previous years, is presented in collaboration with CANTUR and El Diario Montañés—reinforces the APC’s shared commitment to the training and professional development of the region’s future journalists.
The event, held at the APC headquarters, was attended by María Eugenia García Robles, the EFE Agency’s correspondent in Cantabria; Alberto Santamaría, editor-in-chief of El Diario Montañés; Inés Mier Maza, general director of CANTUR; Helena Garay, director of the communication degree programs at the Universidad Europea del Atlántico; and representing the APC were Dolores Gallardo and Almudena Ruiz, president and vice president of the association, respectively. The attendees congratulated the award winners on their work and highlighted the role of the region’s new generation of young journalists, while also emphasizing the importance of the various training initiatives carried out by the APC.
For UNEATLANTICO, these awards are a testament to the students’ academic excellence and professional prospects. Furthermore, these achievements highlight the quality of the education offered by the university’s communication program, which prepares professionals to successfully integrate into the media and respond to contemporary challenges.