contradictions
In a candid analysis of contemporary media and the reach of digital discourse, journalist Juan Soto Ivars explores the boundaries of free expression during a new session in Espacio Séneca, organized by the Alicante Department of Culture. The discussion, hosted by Daniel Terol and Miquel Hernandis, will invite Soto Ivars to unpack the challenges around speech, censorship, and accountability at 7:00 pm on a scheduled Thursday. The event is presented as a space for thoughtful examination of how texts and tweets travel through society, and why even a seemingly harmless post can become a legal and ethical flashpoint.
In his recent works, including the volume titled No one will laugh, Soto Ivars dissects a controversial episode where a mocked sensational scenario around a real case was used to illustrate how easily misinformation can spread. The narrative follows a man accused of posting a supposed event page dubbed the Tour de La Manada, which later drew real judicial attention. The author’s portrayal raises important questions about satire, responsibility, and public perception when fiction is mistaken for fact.
The discussion on stage will consider how such incidents prompt reflection on contradictions in media treatment across cases, including the case of a well-known artist. The aim is to understand what the author seeks to parody and why the public reaction to the San Fermín festival episode diverged from expected norms of sensational coverage to bring about a form of judicial consequence.
As he analyzes the trial and its outcomes, Soto Ivars shares his perspective on the broader dynamics at play. He notes a rising propaganda tendency, a surge of moralism, and a push toward realism in public discourse. How far can a writer or observer go when addressing issues that deeply disturb society? He emphasizes that digital platforms magnify every viewpoint, making censorship a constant backdrop to contemporary debate—an environment where ideas are visible, contested, and sometimes restricted.
These themes anchor the public conversation around books such as Post Censorship and Anyone Nets Are Burning. In these works, Soto Ivars examines other high-profile cases, including debates around Justine Sacco, Guillermo Zapata, and Jorge Cremades, to illustrate how media narratives shape public memory and legal responses. On Thursday, April 13, at 7:00 pm, Espacio Séneca will host a public address at the new rendezvous of the Space Forum to continue this examination of censorship, media power, and the ethics of online speech.