Within the framework of the XXV Ammpe Congress, Dr. Jessica Retes, director of the School of Journalism at the University of Arizona, presented a reflection on the challenges facing journalism education today. Retes highlighted the urgent need for educational institutions to adapt to changing media and sociocultural realities, emphasizing that her position as the only Latina woman in a leadership role in her field in the US represents a call to action to foster Latino female leadership in the academic field.
With more than three decades of experience as a teacher and journalist, Retes addressed the importance of integrating various historical, political and social dimensions in journalistic training. Citing a study that reveals that 72% of adolescents prefer to obtain information through friends and social networks instead of traditional media, he questioned the future of the written press and the need for journalists to connect with their audience in digital spaces.
During his presentation, he received valuable contributions from José Miguel Lavín, director of the School of Journalism at the University of Chile, and Luz Márquez de La Plata, director of the Course at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Together, they discussed the relevance of “global journalism” that integrates local perspectives with a global approach, as well as the need to address inequalities in access to journalism education in Latin America.
Retes also advocated for remuneration for journalism internships, highlighting their importance in ensuring that all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, can access practical experiences. Finally, he emphasized the urgency of training bilingual journalists who reflect the cultural diversity of communities in the US, proposing a pedagogical approach that values Spanglish and translanguaging.
With his intervention, Retes not only highlighted the need for inclusive and adaptive education, but also urged journalism schools to open spaces for dialogue and interdisciplinary collaboration to prepare future professionals for the demands of the contemporary media environment.
