What's Next?!: 1st Meet-up for Exiled Journalists in South Florida

Más Voces Foundation, in collaboration with the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), the Knight Foundation, and the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University (FIU), is organizing What’s Next?!, the first meet-up for exiled journalists in South Florida. The event will take place on February 28, starting at 9:00 AM, at the Graham Center at FIU in Miami. Designed as a safe, off-the-record and offline space, this gathering will encourage open discussions and meaningful in-person connections among exiled journalists.

The event will open with a keynote presentation by José Jasán Nieves, ICFJ Knight Fellow, titled "Hablando en Plata sobre Medios en el Exilio." This talk is inspired by his podcast Hablando en Plata, produced with the support of ICFJ, which explores sustainability strategies for independent media in exile. The session will highlight best practices from Latin American media that can help exiled journalists and media outlets remain viable in challenging contexts.

During the meet-up, attendees will participate in specialized workshops based on their professional background:

• Media Leaders: Business models and strategies for sustainable journalism, led by Luz Mely Reyes (Efecto Cocuyo) and José Jasán Nieves (El Toque).
• Independent Journalists/Freelancers: Strategies for income diversification and expanding their personal brand, with insights from Clavel Rangel (Venezuela) and other colleagues.
• Journalists Transitioning to U.S. Market: Panel and interactive workshop on career transitions from exile media to U.S. media outlets, journalism support organizations, or new industries. Featuring Elaine Díaz (LION Publishers), Mariela Valdivia (Marival Insurance LLC), and María Lilly Delgado (Univisión).

After the workshops, the meet-up will bring together journalists, media executives, and representatives from organizations such as ICFJ, CPJ, NEMO, IWPR, SIP (RELPEX), and the Alfred Reynolds Fellowship. These organizations will share opportunities for funding, training and legal support especially designed for exiled journalists. Participants will have direct access to key industry players who help sustain independent journalism.

What’s Next?! will not be recorded or streamed online, making in-person attendance essential to fully experience the discussions and networking opportunities. Participation is free, but registration is required through the official sign-up form. Thanks to the generosity of Knight Foundation, there will be logistical support in order to facilitate assistance. 

📄 View the full agenda: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eCAtSZSU2pnlHSYiP3-eN4F0qx4XqHyaNEBpmbhuRxI/edit?tab=t.0
🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/wb67GqhP4Dv7S2Xx8