The Gandia Campus of the Universitat Politècnica de València will host the 32nd International Congress of the Spanish Society of Journalism Studies (SEP), to be held on June 10, 11, and 12, 2026. The event will bring together researchers, academics, and communication professionals to reflect on the current challenges facing journalism in a context of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and changing news consumption habits.
The congress will feature two leading international keynote speakers: Madalena Oliveira, professor at the University of Minho and specialist in sound studies, auditory culture, and journalism; and Tiziano Bonini, professor at the University of Siena, renowned for his research on podcasting, radio, and digital platforms, and author of the book Algorithms of Resistance. Their presentations will offer a global and critical perspective on the evolution of the contemporary media ecosystem, especially regarding new forms of production and distribution of journalistic content.
One of the most important themes of the congress will be the connection between academic research and professional practice. In this regard, a roundtable discussion on local journalism has been scheduled, a key area for understanding the social role of media in local contexts. This session will include graduates from the Gandia Campus who are currently working in media organizations, providing a direct and practical perspective on journalism.
Among the participants are Jordi Company, journalist at Ràdio Xàtiva Cadena SER, and Virginia Delgado, professional at Onda Cero Alzira, who will share their experience in local and regional media. They will be joined by Saray Fajardo, Levante-EMV’s correspondent in La Safor, who will contribute the perspective of print journalism in the region. This roundtable aims to highlight the value of local journalism as a space for public service, social cohesion, and informational structure.
The full program of the congress, as well as updated information on registration and activities, can be found on the official website: https://sepgandia2026.es/
Pre-Congress Workshops: Practical Training for Academic Careers
As a prelude to the congress, the II SEP Pre-Congress will take place on Wednesday, June 10, a training day especially aimed at early-career researchers and faculty interested in strengthening their research and teaching skills.
The program includes three specialized workshops. The first, focused on the use of artificial intelligence in academic work, will cover everything from the fundamentals of generative models to their application in research and university teaching. The second workshop will provide a practical guide to publishing in high-impact scientific journals in the field of Communication, analyzing metrics, journal selection strategies, and best writing practices. Finally, the third workshop will focus on podcast creation as a tool for science communication and teaching, covering all stages of audio production.
These workshops are designed with a highly practical and participatory approach, allowing attendees to acquire tools and methodologies that can be immediately applied in their academic work.
The 32nd International Congress of the SEP is thus established as a meeting point between academia and professional practice, with a clear international focus and special attention to the contemporary challenges of journalism. For three days, Gandia will become a hub for debate, innovation, and knowledge exchange in the field of communication.