Pepa Bueno and Jesús Maraña inaugurate the summer course of infoLibre: "We are in a huge battle"

Pepa Bueno and Jesús Maraña opened the summer course of infoLibre at the Faculty of Information Sciences of the University Complutense of Madrid with a discussion titled "De la censura al algoritmo." The session, which took place on Tuesday morning, focused on the challenges facing journalism in the age of artificial intelligence. Bueno emphasized that the current situation mirrors past cycles in which media professionals were replaced by new technologies, often under the guise of efficiency or cost-cutting. She criticized the belief that algorithms could replace human journalists, arguing that such a shift would lead to a loss of quality and authenticity in reporting. The conversation between Bueno and Maraña was described as relaxed and intellectual, reflecting their long-standing professional camaraderie despite never having worked together directly. They discussed how the rise of AI has not only transformed journalistic practices but also reshaped public trust in information. Bueno raised questions about whether an algorithm could capture the emotional weight of a personal tragedy or assess the conditions of a disaster site. She argued that these tasks require human presence and empathy, qualities that machines cannot replicate. Bueno pointed to the growing influence of AI in everyday life, highlighting its impact on both the working conditions of journalists and the spread of misinformation online. She noted that while AI enables rapid dissemination of content, it also facilitates the unchecked circulation of falsehoods. This has created a crisis in public perception, where truth becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish from manipulation. According to her, the challenge lies not just in the technology itself but in the lack of effective responses from the media industry. She further stressed that the core issue is not the existence of AI but who controls it and for what purposes. “The problem is not the machines, but the owners of the machines,” she stated, drawing parallels to historical patterns in which technological advancements have been used to consolidate power rather than serve the public interest. In this context, she called for a clear editorial stance on the use of AI within news organizations, emphasizing the need to balance innovation with ethical responsibility. Bueno also addressed the broader economic pressures affecting the profession. She highlighted the precarious financial state of many media outlets, noting that this has weakened their ability to respond effectively to the challenges posed by disinformation. She recalled that during the so-called golden age of journalism, reporters had more stability and resources to pursue investigative work. Today, however, the industry faces constant threats to its independence and credibility. In response to concerns about the future of journalism, Bueno expressed cautious optimism. While acknowledging the risks posed by automation and digital platforms, she remained confident in the value of skilled journalists. She cited César Rendueles as an example of how critical thinking and ethical judgment remain essential in an era dominated by algorithms. Her message was one of resilience: even amid uncertainty, the role of the journalist remains vital, especially in a world where truth is increasingly contested. The session concluded with a call for greater awareness among readers and audiences about the importance of supporting independent journalism. As the summer course begins, participants will engage in discussions and workshops aimed at exploring the evolving relationship between technology and media ethics. The event marks another step in the ongoing dialogue about the future of journalism in a rapidly changing digital landscape.