I’m not sure whether journalists fear us more than they admire us, but a few days ago the Provincial Journalists Association of Alicante brought together more than 600 attendees for the XIII Gala Unregistered, celebrating its 120th anniversary. This milestone already carries weight, having endured two world wars, the Civil War, dictatorship, the transition to democracy, a global pandemic, and political shifts on both sides. The event stood as a testament to resilience in a profession that has weathered countless storms and continues to evolve in the face of changing times.
“Fandango” opened the program with vigor, the kinetic energy fueled by Boccherini’s music performed by the Virtuós Mediterrani Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Gerardo Estrada. The evening underscored a willingness to collaborate with the APPA through concrete actions, with prominent figures such as Diego Ferrandiz, Main Ibanez, and Andrés Maestre participating and lending their support to the association’s mission.
The celebration carried with it a wide display of representation from regional and national levels, including a strong showing from the Valencian Community. It was heartening to witness such broad participation across the three provinces, as organizations stepped forward to help shape the collaboration and structure that binds them together. Gratitude was expressed to all who joined in this collective effort, reinforcing a spirit of cooperation and shared purpose.
The event also marked a somber moment in memory of Manolo Alberola, a former APPA Yearbook contributor. The yearbook’s cover, created with artificial intelligence, symbolized the evolving landscape of journalism and the integration of new technologies into the profession. In line with tradition, the Freedom of Expression award was presented to a journalist and author who previously received the Azorín Prize in 2004, Manuel Mira Candel, recognizing his long and impactful career in the field.
The gathering was hosted on behalf of the President of the Provincial Assembly by the Deputy of Culture, and was accompanied by the mayor of Alicante, Luis Barcala. Also present were the Minister of Education, José Antonio Rovira, the government subdelegate in Alicante, Juan Antonio Nieves, and deans from local universities, including Amparo Navarro and Juan José Ruiz. The event reflected a broad cross-section of academic and civic leadership, underscoring the importance of journalism to the public discourse and community life.
A diverse lineup from the AEPA (Association of Businesswomen, Professionals, and Managers of the Province of Alicante) highlighted the event, with its president Marcela Fernandez, director Carolina Martinez, and Sonia Brujas among the active participants. The presence of senior figures from the military and security services—such as the Deputy Defense Delegate, the MEB general, and the Naval Forces Commander—emphasized the ceremony’s formal and inclusive tone, acknowledging the role of media in informing and linking different sectors of society.
Countless colleagues also attended, including leaders from Elche Informers and other press associations, alongside members of the Professional Association of Valencian Journalists. The gathering provided a space for exchanges of ideas and reflections on press freedom and professional integrity. Attendees included journalists, editors, and representatives from various media outlets who shared perspectives on the evolving landscape of reporting and accountability, with a focus on ethics, rigor, and public service.
The attendee list encompassed national representatives such as Araceli Pobladoras, Lola Pena, Yaissel Sánchez, and San Vicente’s mayor, Rafael Pascual. Business leaders and local dignitaries also joined, including Carlos Bano, president of the Chamber of Commerce, Mayte Anton from AEFA, and Andrea Postigo, a prominent figure in the Focus circle. The audience featured entrepreneurs and executives who highlighted the critical link between journalism and informed citizenship, stressing the need for responsible reporting that strengthens democratic participation.
Throughout the evening, figures like Vicente Cutanda and Ana Ramos kept the tone practical and grounded, anchoring discussions in the realities of daily journalism. Writers, editors, and researchers—from Evelyn Mesquida to Jaime Creams and Asuncion Sanchez Zaplana—shared experiences and observations about the profession’s current challenges. The presence of Faes-CV’s general secretary and other sector leaders added depth to the dialogue, while CSIF’s Luis Tovar and Coca-Cola’s communications head, Ramon Alonso, offered perspectives on how corporate communications interface with journalism in contemporary society. Montse Angulo, the head of the School of Nursing, also participated, underscoring the event’s broad cross-sector relevance. In this mix, APPA’s call for renewed commitment to freedom of expression and professional ethics—integrity, rigor, and ethics—resonated clearly. Long live journalism and the journalists who give it life, the evening seemed to suggest, as the profession continues to adapt and endure in a rapidly changing world.