The presentation of the book A les dues bandes de la trinxera. Mig segle entre la política i la comunicació (On both sides of the trench. Half a century between politics and communication), published by Trípode, took place on Monday, January 26, in the Sala Emili Argilaga at the Centre de Lectura de Reus. The event, moderated by Marià Arbonès, featured the author, Jesús Conte, and former political leaders Josep Maldonado, Josep Fèlix Ballesteros, and Ernest Benach.
Jesús Conte has worked as a journalist and served as press chief for Generalitat President Jordi Pujol between 1998 and 2003, and for Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya between 1983 and 1987. The book chronicles relevant recent historical events and information strategy, reflecting his experience "on both sides of the trench."
“"If I were born again, I would repeat as a journalist."
During the conversation, the speakers analyzed the politics-journalism relationship and agreed that the dynamics between the two sectors are undergoing a paradigm shift, marked by increased polarization. Conte lamented the lack of a common project and shared enthusiasm for working together, similar to what happened during the Transition period.
“"Before, people knew how to sit down and negotiate; now it is a chimera, a utopia."
The debate also highlighted the figure of former President Jordi Pujol and reflected on the quality of profiles in high-level politics. Josep Maldonado pointed out a "general lack of leadership" that favors the rise of populism, while Ernest Benach advocated for the need to recover cross-party collaboration.
