We do not have to repeat that journalism, or better, the press is living difficult times: the economic and financial crisis is substantial and it makes media search for easy audience solutions; social media has invaded our life and profession and, even worse, our work methods to the extent that we (or many of us) forget about them; immediatism has become the order of the day that draws us away from thought, context and often from what is important.
Artificial Intelligence is already (increasingly) questioning our way of working; misinformation spreads and confuses the citizens and us journalists too, disarraying society.
Our legislation is in many cases obsolete. We must review it and modernize it according to the communication evolution, where new actors are on stage, as well as the role journalism plays in it. It is urgent to do it as well as finding an organizational and self regulatory model which is not only better and more effective but is also a way to preserve journalistic autonomy, one that will face the challenges ahead of us.
We must reflect upon all of this, on the change and the role of journalism in our times, more so that the journalist is in the middle, the weakest link of this vast chain that has been losing value. If he cannot let himself be heard, he will be an object and not a subject. As in all areas, he who is not sitting at the table will become part of the menu. The journalist is the key element, but he does not exist alone. And journalism is only to thrive with and in strong means, with healthy companies.
That’s why I believe the President title to be important. To put it in one sentence if you will: to give journalists a voice.
Lisbon, march 16th 2026
Luísa Meireles
CCPJ President