A celebrated journalist and communication theorist, born in 1943 in Redondela, Pontevedra, has long shaped ideas about power, media, and global affairs through numerous books and lectures. From 1990 to 2008, he led the French edition of a major international newspaper and founded Media Watch Global and ATTAC, organizations that foster discussions on social and economic justice. He lectures at a distinguished Parisian university and participates in academic forums. In a recent interview, he reflects on fake news, the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, and the geopolitical shifts driving a turbulent era.
Artificial intelligence opens a doorway to a landscape filled with questions and risks.
AI is set to touch sectors that have benefitted most from new technologies so far. Publishers worry about authorship, noting that even works signed by humans can be enhanced by artificial intelligence. Some best-selling science fiction titles in the United States are attributed in part to AI. In Hollywood, where industry stakes are high, AI contributes to faster, more diverse scripts. Across several fields, AI already helps with tasks such as weather forecasting and producing summaries of sports events.
Could it alter media as it exists today?
Journalism retains an indispensable value. The unease that accompanies technological shifts is common, yet the reality is that AI will take over many repetitive tasks, freeing journalists to focus on more demanding work. In investigative reporting, AI can inform storytelling and shape how narratives unfold, and it may even replace the narrator, but the core material must originate from journalists themselves.
Where is the media headed?
Today there is a surge of networks distributing false information that blends irrational claims with untruths. Readership in both print and digital formats is gradually declining, and being well informed can feel like an elite achievement. Misinformation often travels faster and farther than verified material, appealing to curiosity and emotion. This dynamic thrives in polarized environments where audiences align with their preferred viewpoints, much like fans at a sports event reacting more to identity than to evidence. The flood of information intensifies this effect.
What steps can authorities take to curb the spread of false information without restraining freedom of expression?
The challenge is to balance safeguards with liberty. Some nations have enacted laws to curb misinformation, while even democracies balk at sweeping restrictions. Protecting speech while preventing harm remains a delicate, ongoing discussion.
The latest book examines conspiracy culture and the spread of lies driven by political motives. How do conspiratorial ideas gain traction and persuade growing audiences to embrace fringe theories?
Conspiracy narratives can be incredibly compelling, especially when popular media, such as blockbuster films, highlights sensational themes. The appeal often stems from a craving for extraordinary explanations and a distrust of official accounts. People may cling to extraordinary beliefs not because they are rational, but because they feel emotionally empowered by them. Science offers a different path of explanation, yet it competes with sensationalism in a crowded information landscape.
Is there a vaccine against conspiracy?
Since the Enlightenment, vaccination and rational inquiry have stood as engines of progress, yet public discourse now faces new twists. Repeating falsehoods can amplify them, while repeated truths can be ignored. Why do some political movements win broad support by promoting deviations from established facts? Why do certain leaders rise despite controversy? The mechanisms at work are intricate and deserve careful examination (Source: contemporary media analyses).
The discussion also touches on recent political dynamics, including legal challenges and the persistence of public figures who weather criticism. Each setback can generate heightened attention and real-world consequences. The constitutional framework of any nation shapes what is permissible for leaders, and jurists continue to debate how to apply these rules in evolving contexts. The politics of accountability remains a live issue with no simple answers (Attribution: political theory journals).
In conversations about current events, there is a push to look beyond surface narratives. The debate over coverage of international affairs invites readers to consider who benefits from particular portrayals and what gets obscured in dominant messages. The complexity of world affairs means plural perspectives matter more than ever, and openness to diverse viewpoints is essential for a healthy public sphere (Cited in: global journalism studies).
Recently, discussions have focused on how global groups and regional blocs influence the balance of power. The expansion of international forums signals changes in the traditional order, and many observers note shifts away from Western-centric models. The world appears to be moving toward a multipolar arrangement where sanctions, diplomacy, and economic integration play key roles, even as some actors question old alliances and power hierarchies. The era of a single dominant empire seems to be fading (Reference: geopolitical analyses).
The broader question remains: how will the system adapt as globalization recedes and new economic and political models emerge? The old pattern of globalization may be giving way to more localized production and a focus on resilience. Achieving this shift requires skilled labor and strong educational infrastructure, areas facing shortages in some regions. The future is likely to hinge on reindustrialization and investment in science, technology, and engineering, balanced with social protections and sustainable development (Trend reports from research institutes).
The discussion closes with a note on the potential for socialist ideals to shape a more inclusive future. What would that look like in practice? A more peaceful society that emphasizes collective decision-making and broad participation could mark a departure from past models. The experience of recent crises shows that neoliberal approaches have left deep divisions, and a new social contract may be needed—one that aligns environmental stewardship, gender equality, and democratic governance for a more open and equitable world (Policy studies briefing).