The outgoing president of the Association of Argentine Journalistic Entities (ADEPA), Martin Etcheversled the annual 63rd anniversary dinner with a message focused on the importance of professional journalism as a democratic pillar and the need to build political consensus.
Addressing more than 300 guests, including government officials, judges and opposition leaders, Etchevers stressed that the press has been a key player in strengthening institutions since 1983. In addition, he stressed the urgency of building a “consensus” to avoid “personal disqualification” and any setback to freedom of expression.
Among those present were the Chief of Staff, Manuel Adorni; the ministers Sandra Pettovello And Diego Santilli; the senator Patricia Bullrich; and the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Martin Menem; the President of the Supreme Court Horacio Rosatti and opposition political leaders.
Authoritarians don’t like that
The practice of professional and critical journalism is a mainstay of democracy. That is why it bothers those who believe that they are the owners of the truth.
The ADEPA boss also praised “the recent stance of the national government.” call for dialogue and build bridges with other political forces, with the provinces, with various actors in society.” And he added: “We also note your promise to avoid insults and attacks.” Etchevers assured that these gestures help reduce tensions and contribute to a more mature democratic life.
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Another central focus of the speech was his warning about the effects of the reform of the criminal code funded by the government. Etchevers claimed that the current “legal architecture” that protects press freedom “has enabled the strengthening of investigative journalism and its role in fighting corruption and promoting transparency in recent decades.” In this sense, he warned: “A threat could affect all citizens, not only journalists,” but also “those who express their opinions on networks, those who criticize public decisions and organizations that defend freedoms and rights.”
Etchevers demanded that the new legal standard must respect the doctrine Supreme Court and des Inter-American Court of Human Rightswhich led to legislative advances such as “the decriminalization of contempt,” “the abolition of prison sentences,” and “the inclusion of the figure of public interest by excluding certain criminal typologies.”
The head of ADEPA also expressed concern about the increase in threats and lawsuits out of the sports field. He referred to the directors of the AFAincluding its president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia and the treasurer Pablo Toviggino. “We are seriously concerned when we observe journalists from other sectors – such as football – being intimidated with offensive claims or smear campaigns. It becomes clear that the temptation to silence voices goes beyond politics and extends to where power is considered unlimited,” he said.
ADEPA had already warned about this situation days ago and denounced the increase in intimidation against journalists and media. Etchevers claimed that the most unpleasant thing in the public sphere is not complaints but “the disclosure of questionable facts and decisions, the revelation of inconvenient truths.” And he noted: “Many of the investigations that are being broadcast in oral arguments today have their origins in the work of journalism.”
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The leader also emphasized the role of the journalistic companiesresponsible for giving “organism, consistency, editorial and legal responsibility” to the informative work. He explained that its sustainability is not a corporate issue, but a democratic challenge, because without professional journalism “the quality of public deliberation deteriorates.” At this point he warned of the imbalance this entails 80% of digital advertising is focused on global platformswhich further increases the economic fragility of the sector.
In addition, Etchevers stressed that in a scenario characterized by artificial intelligence and technological advances, the function of journalism will become even more important and called for the intellectual property of the media to be taken into account in international agreements. He also noted that professional specialization will be crucial in the coming years.
Horacio Rosatti and Manuel Adorni’s speeches at the ADEPA dinner
The ceremony included a tribute to the Federal Chamber judges who conducted the historic trial against the military juntas, with a video presented by the journalist Luciana Geuna and the historian Camila Perochena. Then the President of the Supreme Court, Horacio Rosattisaid: “This was an exceptional trial, due to the category of judges and prosecutors who intervened and the previous work of Conadep. Today’s judges must learn this. Even in critical, conflictual situations, for example in the fight against corruption“We have to do the right thing.”
Later the Chief of Staff spoke: Manuel Adorniwho reiterated that the government remains firmly committed to the Freedom of the press and freedom of expression. “Both journalists and political leaders have something in common: our work depends on the relationship we have with the truth. Over the years and under different governments, all Argentines have become accustomed to the fact that politicians’ words are worthless.
The evening ended with the handover of the Great honorary award for freedom of expression To Maria Corina Machadohonored on his behalf by the journalist Carolina Amorosoand the former president of ADEPA William Ignacio. Governors, legislators, judges and journalists also attended.
TV/LT
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