S22 DIGITAL Successfully Leads the Organization of the 19th Editors Congress (CLABE) Amid a Nationwide Blackout

Last Updated on 17 de July de 2026 by S22 Digital

Madrid, April 28, 2025 — S22 DIGITAL Successfully Leads the 19th Editors Congress (CLABE) Amid Nationwide Blackout

The 19th Editors Congress, promoted by CLABE and fully organized by S22 DIGITAL, exceeded all expectations despite an unexpected challenge: a nationwide power outage that temporarily paralyzed much of Spain, making this edition one of the most memorable in the sector’s history.

A Day of Reflection… and Resilience

Under the motto “Journalism Towards 2050”, the event was held at the Pablo VI Space in Madrid, bringing together over 430 in-person attendees alongside dozens more connected via live streaming. Editors, journalists, academics, institutional representatives, and leaders from media and technology sectors gathered to discuss the future of journalism over the next 25 years.

At 12:33 p.m., during the program’s progression, a blackout struck—not only affecting the venue but progressively extending to the entire Madrid region and eventually all of Spain. By then, CLABE’s new corporate video—a production that moved the audience—had already been shown, and Minister Óscar López had delivered remarks highlighting the fundamental role of the media and praising the congress’s long-term vision.

Adaptability in the Face of Adversity

Far from halting the congress, the power outage highlighted S22 DIGITAL’s agility and real-time response capabilities. Calm prevailed as spaces were reorganized and dynamics adapted without microphones, screens, or technical support. The event continued thanks to the commitment of speakers and attendees, fostering an atmosphere of active listening, conversation, and creativity.

The pitches held in the Agora proceeded by natural light, without amplification, proving that journalism is, above all, the ability to communicate under any circumstance.

Featured Presentations

Notable speakers such as María Moya (Prodigioso Volcán), Carlos A. Scolari, Esther Alonso (elDiario.es), and Victoria Cabrera (Cibersur) delivered inspiring talks on technological transformation in the media, creativity in the digital era, and sustainable models in the new information ecosystem.

The brief presentation segment included Jorge Corrales (CEDRO), who emphasized the ethical use of artificial intelligence, and Víctor Rodrigo Raya (Red.es), who shared updates on public funding for media digitization.

The congress also featured the premiere of the documentary “Media Evolution”, co-directed by Scolari and Fernando Rapa, and the declaration of Internet Day, under the theme “For a new generation of people-centered Internet.”

Hybrid Closing and Official Podcast

Despite the blackout, the day closed with a final conversation between Carmen Artigas, AI expert and UN advisor, and Juan Zafra, General Director of CLABE. Artigas identified the sector’s main challenges: credibility, audience fragmentation, and algorithm dependence.

Simultaneously, the official video podcast of the event—promoted by the Media Festival—was recorded, featuring prominent voices including José Nevado (Spanish Government), Ángel G. Castillejo (CNMC), Miguel A. Noceda (FAPE), and Miguel L. Quesada (DIRCOM). This content will soon be published on CLABE’s website.

An Event to Make History

Sponsored by Google, CEDRO, Universidad Nebrija, Refinery89, Cibeles.net, and others, the 19th Editors Congress not only fulfilled its ambition to spark dialogue on journalism’s future but also became a shining example of resilient organization in times of crisis.

At S22 DIGITAL, we are deeply proud to have led the production and logistics of this landmark event, helping create an atmosphere of calm, active listening, and professionalism amid a day marked by uncertainty. Because even without power, communication did not stop.