The fifth edition of eldiario.es Festival of Ideas and Culture opened on Friday at the Auditorio Pilar Bardem in Rivas Vaciamadrid. The event overcame an attempt at suspension by Madrid's PP through the Tribunal Administrativo de Contratación Pública. Journalists discussed the value of local reporting during the day.
Ignacio Escolar, director of eldiario.es, thanked subscribers for their support after the cancellation threat. “This that has happened with the festival these days has scared us a lot, because it is just an appetizer”, he stated during the opening talk.
The tribunal rejected the appeal the day after ordering the precautionary suspension of the contract with the Rivas City Council. Esther Palomera and Neus Tomàs also took part in the event, which included debates on proximity journalism.
Diego Casado of Somos Madrid, Celia González and Jaime Sicilia highlighted the importance of telling nearby stories. “To reach many people, you first have to tell what is close”, Casado said.
The festival continues on Saturday with concerts and more talks. Artists such as La Bien Querida, Jordi Évole and Hinds are scheduled to participate.
