Santi Contreras highlights the value of perseverance in modern reporting
The renowned communicator Santiago Contreras, popularly known as Santi, highlighted the fundamental pillars that define current field journalism: perseverance, an inescapable commitment to the truth, and physical presence at the epicenter of events. These statements were made during his participation in the International Congress of Photojournalism and Strategic Visual Communication, Fotocom 2026.
During the panel titled “From the scene,” Contreras shared his reflections on the challenges facing contemporary reporting. According to the communicator, the task of going out into the streets to document daily reality requires a special determination to overcome the obstacles that arise when pursuing truthful information.
It is truly a challenge to go after the truth. To carry that information, to tell that story. You have to be very perseverant.
Santiago Contreras
Adaptability and the human impact on the news
Contreras emphasized that a successful journalist must possess the necessary skill to identify the interests of their audience and adjust the format of their message according to the context. Whether it is judicial coverage, an artistic event, or a tragic situation, the professional must have the journalistic instinct to detect where the news lies and the sensitivity to convey it effectively.
The communicator did not overlook the emotional toll that this profession entails. When referring to the coverage of violent events or those with a significant human impact, he pointed out that these experiences leave an indelible mark on those who have the responsibility to report.
It is a profession, it is a trade that truly marks you as a human being.
Santiago Contreras
The evolution of journalism in the face of the digital rise
Another central theme in Contreras’ presentation was the transformation of the information ecosystem driven by social media and digital platforms. The content creator highlighted that immediacy is now the norm, allowing new communicators and news accounts to achieve massive reach that connects with citizens in real time.
In this panel, Santiago Contreras was accompanied by prominent colleagues from the sector, such as Julio Caraballo, Wendy Sierra, and Daniel Lajara, moderated by journalist Daniela Pujols. The Fotocom 2026 event established itself as an essential space for the exchange of professional experiences and the analysis of visual communication in the current era.
