The royal family knows it: King Felipe has broken his silence and has confirmed the best news

King FelipeVI has broken his silence and confirmed the best news: the determined defense of press freedom and investigative journalism in Ibero-America. During the 42nd edition of the King of Spain International Awards, the monarch has championed the value of professionals who fight for the truth, even putting their lives at risk.

Accompanied by Queen Letizia, the head of state delivered one of the most desired speeches in times of growing disinformation. His address was clear: Society needs "good journalism, the kind that reports reliable news and works for a better world." What has motivated such forceful words from the king?

Felipe VI defends journalists amid the global credibility crisis

This year's ceremony had a solemn and deeply symbolic atmosphere. Two virtual presenters created with artificial intelligence and Rozalén's voice singing to the victims of the DANA opened an emotional gala.

The awards have recognized the most relevant works of Ibero-American journalism, highlighting bravery, innovation, and social commitment. In this context, Felipe VI's message was neither casual nor merely protocolary: it was a true declaration of principles.

Felipe VI didn't just present awards: he also took a strong stance in defense of the press. The monarch said that the awarded works represent an achievement in favor of the rights and freedoms of our societies.

Before an expectant audience, the king warned about "the erosion of informational credibility" and the "information fatigue that affects a large part of the world's societies." In that adverse context, he said, good journalism has the ability to "rebuild trust and strengthen our communities."

These words come at a key moment. Technological transformations, the rise of artificial intelligence, and disinformation on social media have weakened the traditional role of the media. Felipe VI is clear: journalism must adapt, but without losing its essence.

In this regard, King Felipe emphasized that they must make citizens "regain their enthusiasm for learning about what happens around them. This way, they develop the essential critical spirit of an informed and, therefore, demanding society, and trust the media again."

Queen Letizia returns to her roots as a journalist

The presence of Queen Letizia added a personal dimension to the evening. Ten years after attending for the first time with her husband as queen consort, Letizia returned to Agencia EFE, one of the media outlets where she trained as a journalist.

During the event, Miguel Ángel Oliver, president of EFE, fondly recalled her beginnings. "When you were in your last year of journalism, you worked in the international news area of Agencia EFE," he said.

"For us, it's a great honor to have you with us and to have you present these awards alongside the king," he added. These words moved a visibly involved Queen Letizia during the event.

The awardees reaffirm the value of Ibero-American journalism

The list of awardees reflects the richness and depth of journalism in Spanish and Portuguese. Fabián Medina, from the newspaper La Prensa (Nicaragua), was recognized as the Best Media Outlet in Ibero-America. Milagros Salazar received the Narrative Journalism Award for Dorada Opacidad: los mecanismos oscuros del tráfico masivo del oro en Sudamérica.

Additionally, Cecilia Miljiker received the Cultural Award for Mama Antula, la historia del milagro argentino, the first Argentine saint. Impactful investigations also stood out, such as Milagros Salazar's, which uncovered the illegal gold trade in South America. Another award went to "Operación Retuit" led by Carlos Eduardo Huertas, a collaborative effort by 14 media outlets that showed journalism's ability to work in a network.

Fabio Teixeira's photograph, portraying the desolation of those who survive by collecting waste in Brazil, left an indelible emotional mark. An image that reflects the pain of exclusion, but also the dignity of those who persevere.

After this award ceremony, King Felipe has confirmed his firm defense of honest and free journalism. The Royal Family has sent a hopeful message in favor of truth and essential rights. With his words, the monarch reinforces the journalist's role as a cornerstone of our democracies.