Miami (August 30, 2023) - The president of the Inter American Press Association (IAPA), Michael Greenspon, announced the hiring of journalist Carlos Lauría, with a proven track record in press freedom issues, to head the organization's executive directorate as of November 12.
Lauría will replace journalist Ricardo Trotti, who has been with the organization for over 30 years and has been its executive director since January 2015. Lauría will join the organization on September 1 and take office at the IAPA's General Assembly in November. Trotti will continue his duties until December 31.
"We are very excited for Carlos," said Michael Greenspon, "to join our organization. His professional experience combines perfectly with our mission, which for the past 80 years has allowed us to fight for freedom of the press and freedom of expression, fundamental values for living in a democracy." Greenspon, Global Head of Licensing and Print Innovation for The New York Times added: "Carlos, in addition to his sensitivity to journalism and media, will bring a fresh vision to help address the crisis facing our industry."
Gabriela Vivanco, president of the IAPA Executive Committee, who, together with Greenspon, led the search since April, said that 107 people applied for "our transition process." Ecuador's La Hora publisher said she was "delighted with the level of response and the number of men and women who consider that our institution offers an excellent opportunity to make a great difference in the defense of these fundamental freedoms."
"I am pleased with the opportunity to work in a leadership position within an organization like the IAPA, whose mission is to promote press freedom and freedom of expression," stated Lauría. "At a time when democracy in the hemisphere is in decline, with public discourse seriously contaminated by disinformation, society needs an independent and sustainable press that can report freely on the sensitive issues affecting citizens throughout the Americas."
Lauría, originally from Argentina and based in New Jersey, has more than 30 years of experience as a journalist and has dedicated the last 20 years to the defense of freedom of expression. He has provided strategic consulting for the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), UNESCO, the Pan American Development Foundation, Global Press, and the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University. From 2017 to 2021, he headed the freedom of expression portfolio at the London-based Open Society Foundation's independent journalism program. Previously, Lauría led CPJ's Americas program for 15 years, from 2002 to 2017, an organization where he also served as program director.
Lauría has led high-profile initiatives and campaigns in Latin America. He is the author of reports and research on freedom of expression and press freedom. He has built strong relationships with international, regional, and local human rights and freedom of expression groups, intergovernmental organizations, and donors. Lauría has participated as an expert in congressional hearings and international conferences. In 1994, he established as chief U.S. correspondent for Editorial Perfil magazines in New York. Until 2020, he was a Maria Moors Cabot Awards jury member, administered by the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He holds a degree in journalism from Universidad Católica Argentina.
Trotti said: "I have collaborated side by side with Carlos on many occasions in the past, and I couldn't be happier that a professional of his caliber will continue to help our organization, members, and authorities to fulfill its mission on behalf of journalism and the media in our Americas."
IAPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to defending and promoting freedom of the press and expression in the Americas. It comprises more than 1,300 publications from the western hemisphere and is based in Miami, Florida, United States.
