The very foundations of journalism—accuracy, verification, and trust—are under pressure. We discuss how journalism is adapting to survive in a world where speed and sensationalism often outweigh facts. What’s at stake for democracy, and how can journalists reclaim their vital role in an increasingly fragmented media landscape?

Guest editors: Hans-Jörg Trenz, Professor of Sociology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Florence; Jacopo Custodi, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Scuola Normale Superiore, Florence; Martin Moland, Postdoctoral Fellow at ARENA, Centre for European Studies, University of Oslo

Guests: Aurore Raoux Senior Policy Manager News Media Europe and Renate Schroeder Director European Federation of Journalists

Host: Lucas Proto, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.

Production: Franco Delle Donne, Rombo Podcasts.

Trump’s return to the Oval Office is more than a political comeback, it is evidence of how much post-truth has changed since 2016. The narrative then was that Trump rode a wave of misinformation straight into the White House. But in 2025, this is the story of a candidate whose every claim, and every scandal has been broadcast and dissected for nearly a decade. What’s changed? Populist leaders like Trump aren’t just relying on disinformation to win elections; they use it as a governing strategy. And now, with powerful allies at their side in the form of tech moguls.

Guest Editor: Saul Newman, Professor of Politics, Goldsmiths University London

Guests: Joao Magalhaes, Assistant Professor in Media, Politics and Democracy at the Center for Media and Journalism Studies, University of Groningen & Diara J. Townes, engagement journalist and research consultant for the Disinfo Defense League, a project of the Media Democracy Fund.

Host: Lucas Proto, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid

Production: Franco Delle Donne (Rombo Podcasts)

The Digital Services Act, the EU’s digital regulation master stone, is designed with the intention of tackling content affecting democratic political debate without limiting free speech. But things get more complicated when it comes to so-called “harmful content” or “disinformation”: the line between keeping people safe and stifling free speech remains a difficult one to navigate. Join us for a discussion on the dilemmas in regulatory responses to disinformation.

Guest editor: Luis Bouza García, Associate Professor Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.

Guests: Joan Barata Senior Legal Fellow for The Future of Free Speech Project, Vanderbilt University & Jan Penfrat is Senior Policy Advisor at European Digital Rights (EDRi).

Host: Lucas Proto (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid).

Sound: Franco Delle Donne (Rombo Podcasts).