Santiago O'Donnell: "The leaks show what power wants to hide"
Santiago O'Donnell discusses the significance of leaked information in his new book, asserting that leaks reveal the truths that those in power aim to conceal.
In his recent publication, journalist Santiago O'Donnell explores the theme of information leaks through his book 'Filtraciones. Periodismo, polÃtica y servicios'. O'Donnell emphasizes that filtering information is distinct from stealing or spying, a concept he learned from Julian Assange during their interviews. Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, highlighted the importance of leaked documents and how they can provide insight into the inner workings of power, suggesting that they challenge the narratives presented by the authorities.
O'Donnell advocates for a modern journalism approach he terms 'journalism of leaks', which values the importance of various forms of media including texts, audios, videos, and databases that are created from leaked information. He positions these leaks as critical tools for transparency, urging that they play a crucial role in revealing the hidden truths of political and economic power, thus making them crucial for democratic accountability and public awareness.
The implications of O'Donnell's work are significant as he calls for a reassessment of how journalism engages with and utilizes leaked materials. His arguments promote a vision of journalism that not only questions authority but also actively seeks to uncover the often obscured narratives of the elite. In a time when trust in traditional media outlets is waning, this perspective champions the value of investigative reporting and the importance of protecting whistleblowers who provide this critical information to the public.