MEXICO CITY – The influential Mexican newspaper Reforma is invested in journalism, freedom and a democratic country, Youth Journalism International students learned during a visit to its distinguished headquarters in the center of the nation’s capital.
Reforma welcomed Youth Journalism International students for a guided tour during the 2024 Global Conference in Mexico City.
The introduction to Reforma began with an engaging 18-minute video that took students behind the scenes of how a newspaper comes to life, covering everything from printing and editorial meetings to distribution.
The video highlighted Reforma’s mission of delivering “reliable, accurate, quality multimedia.” It also showcased El Sol, the first afternoon newspaper, and emphasized Reforma’s status as a leader in independent journalism in Mexico.
It emphasized Reforma’s goal with a nod to the dangers that journalists in Mexico confront: “Our commitment to your freedom is more relevant than any danger.”
This determination is illustrated by the challenges they face – including corruption and crime.
We felt excited to meet Juan Carlos, the human resources manager, and Tonatiuh Rubin, a reporter focused on higher education. They shared fascinating insights into what makes Reforma tick — like their brave efforts to champion freedom of speech and democracy.
One highlight was learning about how Reforma innovated the electoral process by inviting all candidates to debates, which significantly boosted reader trust and interest, demonstrating their determination that ‘’critical journalism prevails.’’
The architecture of Reforma is just as impressive as its reporting, blending pre-Hispanic, colonial, and city hall influences to create a stunning environment.
With a team of 200 reporters and a total of 645 staff working hard behind the scenes, it’s clear that this newspaper isn’t just about covering the news – it’s a collaborative effort involving three different papers from three major Mexican cities, each with its own flair.
Then came the printing section, and wow! The iconic red machines from 1993 were absolutely fascinating. We learned that there isn’t a lot of headroom and saw that the facility houses two main machines among 24 different models.
The design also ensures safety, providing space to shelter during an earthquakes.
Students observed how newspapers are stamped four times—starting with bright colors and finishing off with black ink. And we can’t forget about the incredible Regioman machine, cranking out an astonishing 80,000 prints per minute. It was like a newspaper factory on rapid mode.
The pinkish color of the leftover materials goes to recycling, showing their commitment to sustainability through the use of natural ink.
The editorial department is where the day’s news stories are prepared. With daily meetings and 4 a.m. deadlines for distribution, it is clear how dedicated everyone is to getting the news out on time. Agendas are sent to reporters and photographers, laying the groundwork for a well-coordinated newsroom.
We also explored the audio-visual department, where we were greeted with bright, colorful rooms reminiscent of a disco, featuring color-changing lights on the walls. The setup included a mix of white and black chairs and various high-tech equipment, allowing them to make their own editorial videos.
Reforma has even been hired by Prime Video and Netflix to produce content, a nod to their versatility and innovation.
The visit to Reforma was not just informative – it left students inspired. We gained a deeper appreciation for the role of independent media in Mexican society and the vital importance of their mission, especially in light of the risks they face.
Reforma truly stands as a partner in the pursuit of truth, with their motto being, “For you, For Mexico.”
Anjola Fashawe is a Correspondent with Youth Journalism International from London, UK. She wrote this article.
Cassiane Saraiva is a Reporter with Youth Journalism International from Brazil. She collaborated on this article and contributed a photograph.
Samantha Esquivel is a Reporter with Youth Journalism International from Mexico. She contributed two photographs to this story.
This article is part of a series of stories stemming from Youth Journalism International’s 2024 Global Conference in Mexico City. Check back often, as new pieces will be added regularly in the coming days.
