The editorial office that Martin Baron enters, on this occasion, is that of laSexta Noticias, although any editorial office feels like his home. After more than 45 years in the profession, directing three media outlets and becoming one of the most prestigious journalists in the world, the former editor of the Washington Post attends to Ana Pastor.

“We have too polarized societies,” says Baron, who, when asked how he sees the society that is coming, he who has seen so many changes, is not very optimistic with the wars in Ukraine and Gaza as a backdrop: “It is a problem; it is not We can agree on the facts, on how to establish what a fact is, and it is a very risky situation for our societies“.

In the week in which Donald Trump has become the first American president to be convicted Criminally, Baron admits that he is worried about his possible return to the White House. “I’m worried about Trump coming back again. It is a threat to democracy. He speaks openly about the possibility of suspending the Constitution, of canceling it; “He speaks openly of using the army to repress legitimate demonstrations in the country and has spoken openly of his desire to imprison journalists,” he denounces.

However, the reality is that this possibility exists, that he once again convinces the American people and becomes president, even if he is imprisoned. Asked by Ana Pastor about how it was possible to get to this point, Baron states: “There is a lot of resentment between a lot of people; “They resent elites and the media because they think we have ignored their concerns and the struggles of their lives.”

Furthermore, the success of the former American president is also based on the lack of criticism from voters: “They turn a blind eye to his behavior, they don’t care. They are loyal, sycophants… they believe in him. That is almost a cult of personality,” says the journalist.

The importance of journalism and verification

In this context, Baron claims the power of journalism and verification: “We must continue verifying the facts, telling the truth to the public so that they have the information. What they do is different, but it is an obligation on the part of the media to obtain the truth, verify the facts and hold accountable politicians who lie “.

These reflections by Baron come at a time when Support for far-right parties continues to grow Worldwide. On the eve of the European elections, the ultra parties could become the key to the government and determine the next five years in Brussels.

“What should we do?” asks Pastor. “We cannot change parties or politicians. There is always a percentage of the population that believes in conspiracies, there are many conspiracists,” acknowledges Baron, who highlights that, fortunately, not the entire population is there: “We still have there are many people who want to know the truthso we should focus on the percentage who keep an open mind to the facts, who are willing to listen, read and see evidence,” he says.

The former director now publishes a new book, ‘Facing power: Trump, Bezos and the Washington Post’. In it, she reflects on the expansion of Russia and Putinism in the West. “Russia’s influence has increased,” he emphasizes, which he considers has fueled polarization: “It is a model for politicians but also for some media, we have to recognize it, and I am concerned about Russia’s intervention in the elections, but more what we are doing in our own societies.

Therefore, he believes that it is essential to reach the public. “How do we address that group that does not consume traditional media? How do we get them to listen to us?” asks the director of Newtral, something that Baron acknowledges is “difficult.” “However, we have the obligation to cover everyone, understand them, listen to them generously; the struggles in their lives, their hopes, their expectations… We have to represent them in our coverage, respect them. “Do not be condescending, nor despise them,” she defends.

In this sense, the former director of the ‘Washington Post’ considers “it is important that people see that their lives and values ​​are understood”, always maintaining “a coverage transparency policy“journalistic. “Not only do we have to count, but with sources and data we have to demonstrate that there is a lot of work in our reporting before disseminating our information,” he emphasizes in this regard.

And all this without being influenced by the pressures or threats that, Baron acknowledges, “have increased in recent years.” “At the ‘Washington Post’, we had to strengthen our security in the building, the security of journalists… I myself have received threats, but it is important that we focus on our mission and work,” defends the prestigious journalist, who affirms that one has to “establish more credibility with the public”. “I think we would have to cover everyone: with honesty, humility and objectivity,” says the author of ‘Facing Power: Trump, Bezos and the Washington Post’.