The European University of the Atlantic (UNEATLANTICO) welcomed Asun Gómez Bueno, director of International Relations of RTVE and Estrañi Prize of Cantabria 2024, in a meeting with students and journalism professionals organised by the Association of Journalists of Cantabria (APC).
The president of the association and university lecturer, Lola Gallardo, together with Maribel Torres, coordinator of the young journalists, accompanied Gómez Bueno in an event that highlighted Gómez’s career as ‘an example of ethics, courage and excellence in public service’.
Gallardo underlined the importance of the Estrañi Award, which recognises commitment, dedication and professional quality in a sector that is increasingly facing challenges related to truthfulness, rigour and ethics. ‘Asun has shown that excellence has no gender, and her work has been fundamental in the defence of journalism committed to society’, she said.
During his speech, Gómez Bueno reviewed his 36-year career at RTVE, from his beginnings in 1984 with a summer scholarship to positions of great responsibility such as the management of Canal 24 horas and the vice-presidency of COPEAM and the EBU. ‘RTVE is the place where I have been able to develop a career with its ups and downs, but which has been the best thing that has happened to me professionally,’ she said.
The journalist highlighted the role of the public broadcaster in creating content that represents all citizens, with special attention to diversity and accessibility. ‘We dedicate many resources to people with disabilities, offering translation, sign language and content in co-official languages. We are accountable to society,’ he explained.
In the field of information, Gómez Bueno defended the need for rigorous and independent journalism as the basis for a free and cohesive society, affirming that ‘truthful and contrasted information helps to build a society that makes decisions with freedom. We must be the glue that binds citizens together through our programming.
The meeting also addressed the situation of women in journalism. In this sense, she called on the new generations to continue fighting for equality and the defence of the rights that have been won. ‘Nothing is completely won; every day we have to work to consolidate our achievements. If we cannot communicate freely, women will continue to stand still,’ she warned.
The event concluded with an inspirational message to the future journalists who attended the meeting: ‘What is really important is to love what you do. When we put love into our work, even if we make mistakes, we will be calm and proud. That is what gives me the strength to continue working in the service of society’, concluded Gómez Bueno.
The meeting was a space for students of Communication degrees to reflect on the importance of journalism as a pillar of democracy and the role of young professionals in building a future based on ethics, innovation and respect.