October 18, 2025
October 18, 2025
This is one of the most emotional moments of the IAPA Assembly: it is the time to celebrate and recognize some of the finest works of journalism from across the Americas and Spain.
It is time to honor several of our heroes.
In times when lies are disguised as political discourse, when authoritarian governments try to silence criticism, and when disinformation spreads like a virus, you —the journalists— remain the first line of defense for our democracies.
Each of the works awarded this year is living proof that journalism does not give up.
From those who exposed human trafficking in the Caribbean, to those who portrayed the struggles of Indigenous communities in the face of the climate crisis in Canada; from investigations that reveal corruption and impunity,
to stories that reclaim human dignity behind pain and hope — all of them remind us that truth does not die, even when they try to bury it.
Many of you work under threats, persecution, or censorship. In several of our countries, reporting is an act of resistance. Yet, even amid fear, you choose to go out, pick up a camera, make a call, knock on a door, search for a document.
You choose to do it because you know that silence also kills — and that every story told can save a life or at least preserve the memory of an injustice. That is something no Artificial Intelligence platform can do.
That is why this ceremony is not just an award presentation. It is a collective affirmation that good journalism is more alive than ever. That even when the industry is facing one of its worst crises, or when governments persecute or attack journalists — often by name — there are still reporters, editors, photographers, illustrators, producers, and storytellers who believe in something greater than themselves and, for that very reason, are often willing to risk their lives: to uphold the right of our societies to be informed.
Thanks to all the members of the Committee — special thanks to Carlos, Martha, Melba, Horacio, Ricardo, and the great and patient Emilio. A special mention to Julieta, who is here with us: your dedication and creativity gave us enormous visibility and reach. Reading, watching, filtering, and reviewing thousands of entries in such a short time is often a daunting task. But it stops being so when we encounter works like these.
To those who are receiving an award or an honorable mention today: know that your work is an inspiration. Your stories cross borders and awaken consciences. And behind every line, every image, every piece of data,
there echoes a powerful voice of citizens who still believe that truth matters.
You remind us that our mission is to produce good journalism
is more important than ever in these times.
Thank you for your courage, for your rigor, and for the innovation with which you continue to reinvent this craft.
Thank you for reminding us that free and committed journalism, when practiced with integrity and quality, not only tells what happens — it creates an impact that makes us reflect and take action to build fairer and more equitable societies.
On behalf of the Inter American Press Association, congratulations to the winners and to all those who, every day, make journalism a shining trench.
