On 27 July 2025, RNW Media made its debut at the Gabo Festival, hosting a powerful and thought-provoking workshop titled Stories (Re)Connected: A Renewed Approach for Digital Storytelling. The session placed the spotlight on what matters most in journalism today: the audience.
In a world saturated with information—and increasingly shaped by AI—our discussion centred on a vital question: In the digital noise, how do we tell stories that truly connect, inspire, and move people to act?
From Information to Agency
Led by Sara Trejos, alumna of our RNTC Media Training Centre, the workshop gathered journalists, storytellers, and creators from across the region. Together, we explored the evolving role of journalism: moving beyond simply informing, towards activating, guiding, and supporting audiences in their own calls to action.
Trejos emphasised that storytelling in today’s context should be a living, participatory process—rooted in listening, audience agency, and shared responsibility. Participants were encouraged to think beyond platforms and formats, and instead focus on how stories can create space for dialogue, reflection, and collective action.
Participants’ Voices
The session sparked deep reflection, as participants shared how the workshop reframed their approach to journalism:
“I think it’s very important to broaden the conversation far beyond simply sharing information to fill social media networks, but make it intentional. Journalism should do something that really serves audiences, gives them intellectual respect, and offers actions they can take. I loved it—thank you very much.” – Workshop participant
“I was able to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Many times, we face the reality that non-journalists are creating journalistic content. This workshop helped me do a self-assessment and think about new narratives that carry the seal of journalistic work and can reach other platforms.” – Manuela
“These workshops offer a different perspective—another way of doing things. They invite you to action, going beyond traditional reporting. It’s so important to learn how each one of us can help the audience act if they’re interested in the issues and the information we share.” – Workshop participant
A Festival First, but Not the Last
The Gabo Festival, known for bringing together innovators and leaders in journalism, provided the perfect stage for RNW Media to share its audience-first approach. The workshop served as a reminder that digital storytelling is not just about producing content—it’s about co-creating meaning and impact with the people we serve.
As RNW Media continues to develop tools, trainings, and platforms that strengthen independent media, our participation in events like Gabo is a testament to our commitment to redefining journalism for the digital age—where stories connect, and reconnection leads to action.