Podcast Summary: "Comando Norte" – Patricia Simón: "Si a los periodistas nos llaman enemigos del pueblo es porque somos un parapeto contra la impunidad"

SER Podcast, Hoy por Hoy – 25 de noviembre de 2025

Overview

This episode of "Comando Norte" on SER's Hoy por Hoy, hosted by Àngels Barceló with contributions from journalists Nacho Carretero and Aitana Castaño, centers on a compelling conversation with Patricia Simón. Simón, a conflict journalist, discusses her new book Narrar el abismo: periodismo de conflictos en tiempo de impunidad ("Narrating the Abyss: Conflict Journalism in a Time of Impunity") and shares deep reflections on the challenges, responsibilities, and ethical imperatives of telling stories from war zones and humanitarian crises.

Simón addresses increasing public apathy toward the news, the weight and value of reporting from the epicenters of violence and crisis, and the urgent need for a journalism that defends democracy and offers resistance against narratives of hate and impunity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Human Cost of Mining and Forgotten Sectors (04:08–06:06)

• Recent Mining Fatalities in Asturias: The episode opens with news of a mining accident in Vega de Rengols, resulting in two deaths, highlighting how mining dangers persist despite the sector's decline.

• Context of Ongoing Struggles: Aitana Castaño discusses labor disputes and resignation of most members of the Mining Rescue Brigade over unfavorable working conditions.

  “...muchísima pena porque al final no dejan de ser dos chavales que morir un viernes por la tarde trabajando me parece como lo peor.”
  — Aitana Castaño (05:51)

2. Introduction to Patricia Simón and Her Work (06:06–07:22)

• Patricia Simón: Renowned for her reporting in global conflict zones including Ukraine, Mali, Sudan, Colombia, and Palestine.
• Her Latest Book: Narrar el abismo invites readers to confront the meaning and importance of conflict journalism amidst widespread impunity, violence, and public withdrawal from distressing news.

3. Impunity in War and the Role of Journalism (07:08–08:05)

• Who Feels Impune in War: Simón explains that both leaders and executors of wars feel empowered by violence, while it is primarily the victims who are acutely aware of this impunity and seek out journalists to tell their truths.

• Appeal to the Audience: The book originates from a desire to help fatigued, overwhelmed audiences understand why these stories still need to be told.

  “La borrachera de violencia que es una guerra. Se sienten impunes tanto los mandatarios que dirigen esa guerra y sobre todo quienes la ejecutan.”
  — Patricia Simón (07:22)

4. News Avoidance and Information Apathy (08:05–09:26)

• Statistics on News Avoidance: News avoidance has risen sharply, with those actively avoiding news climbing from 29% in 2017 to 40%.

• Responding to Indifference: Simón underlines the journalist's pact with citizens to continue reporting on injustice despite societal fatigue and manipulation by powerful figures who brand the press as "enemies of the people."

  “...líderes como Donald Trump o como Bolsonaro... nos presentan a los periodistas como enemigos del pueblo... porque son conscientes de que... estamos de alguna manera parapetando o protegiendo nuestra propia humanidad.”
  — Patricia Simón (09:05)

5. War in Palestine and Manufactured Peace (10:13–11:29)

• Illusion of Peace: The apparent ceasefire in Palestine, labeled as imposed rather than achieved, has failed to end violence and has reduced global mobilization by creating a false sense of resolution.

• Media and Institutional Trust: The public’s hope that institutions are ‘handling’ the crisis often leads to a withdrawal of attention and activism.

  “¿Se ha firmado la paz para que miremos hacia otro lado? …ese movimiento de solidaridad ha quedado muy paralizado.”
  — Patricia Simón (10:51)

6. Facing the Horror – Journalism as Salvation and Duty (11:29–13:57)

• The Need to Name, to Remember: The act of telling stories and naming both victims and perpetrators is fundamental to justice and democracy.

• The Role of Journalism: Journalists must move beyond merely depicting suffering; their role is to investigate and assign responsibility.

  “...una de las primeras violencias que sufren las víctimas es la ley del silencio... si las víctimas nos lo cuentan es para que hagamos nuestro trabajo de investigación y pongamos nombres y apellidos a los responsables.”
  — Patricia Simón (12:14)

• Journalism Defends Democracy: The telling of these stories is an act of resistance against reactionary forces threatening democratic values.

7. The Psychological Impact on Journalists and Audiences (13:57–14:51)

• Dealing with Guilt and Helplessness: Simón speaks to how doing her job gives her the sense of "at least doing her part," even amid overwhelming global pessimism.

  “...te da el espejismo de sentir que por lo menos estás haciendo tu parte.”
  — Patricia Simón (14:03)

• Enabling the Audience: Journalists must help the public feel they can act meaningfully in response to distressing information.

8. Overexposure, Fear, and Responsible Consumption of News (14:51–16:52)

• Overload and Indifference: Carretero raises the question of whether overexposure to atrocities leads to emotional shutdown rather than action.

• Developing Healthy News Habits: Simón argues that just as society has learned healthy eating or activity habits, it now needs to foster mindful, critical news consumption—beginning with education.

  “Hemos cogido este terminal que nos da infinitud a veces de información, a veces de manipulación, a veces de propaganda... lo consumimos como con bulimia, sin control.”
  — Patricia Simón (15:52)

9. The Value of Listening to Voices from the 'Rear' (Retaguardia) (17:52–19:40)

• Everyday Epics: Simón highlights the importance of stories from those not at the front lines—often women struggling to keep communities and hope alive amidst chaos.

  “...la épica la llevan a cabo quienes consiguen construir vida o preservar la vida mientras alrededor todo es destrucción y muerte.”
  — Patricia Simón (18:25)

• Hope Amidst Destruction: These quieter acts are essential to understanding the full reality and offer glimpses of resilience and future possibilities.

10. The Effect of Conflict Reporting on the Journalist (19:40–21:34)

• Avoiding Romanticization: Simón disavows the notion of conflict journalism as inherently nobler than local reporting.

• Interconnected Journalism: All journalism—local, national, international—is of equal value and should be connected to the real needs and lives of communities.

  “...el periodismo que realmente genera ciudadanía y que conecta los intereses y los derechos de la ciudadanía es el periodismo local.”
  — Patricia Simón (20:31)

11. Does Journalism Have an Impact? (21:34–22:37)

• Doubt and Hope: Even seasoned journalists frequently question whether their work changes anything. Simón asserts that instilling even a little empathy, respect, or tenderness into a hostile media environment is a real victory.

  “...con que consigamos a veces meter una gotita de empatía, de respeto, de entender al otro y de ternura, porque reivindico la ternura en las relaciones, ya estamos haciendo algo importantísimo...”
  — Patricia Simón (22:01)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Journalism and Impunity:
  “Si a los periodistas nos llaman enemigos del pueblo es porque somos un parapeto contra la impunidad.”
  — Patricia Simón

• On Avoiding Silence and Naming Perpetrators:
  “Si las víctimas nos lo cuentan es para que hagamos nuestro trabajo de investigación y pongamos nombres y apellidos a los responsables.”
  — Patricia Simón (12:14)

• On The Role of Hope Amidst Horror:
  “...si es como qué mal está el mundo, todo va fatal, no hay forma de salir de este horror, no? En medio de toda esa destrucción siempre hay gente construyendo futuros.”
  — Patricia Simón (18:25)

• On The Power (and Limits) of the Press:
  “Con que consigamos a veces meter una gotita de empatía... ya estamos haciendo algo importantísimo.”
  — Patricia Simón (22:01)

Important Timestamps

• [04:08–06:06] — Mining accident in Asturias, labor disputes background
• [07:08–08:05] — Simón discusses impunity in war and the genesis of her book
• [09:05] — The press as a bulwark against impunity and how populist leaders brand the press as enemies
• [10:51] — Reflections on the realities behind formal "pieces" or truces in war
• [12:14] — The silence imposed on victims and journalism’s responsibility to break it
• [15:52] — Challenges of news overconsumption and the need for responsible media habits
• [18:25] — Value and perspectives of those away from combat lines
• [20:31] — The essential role and value of local journalism
• [22:01] — The “tiny drops” journalism can offer to counter the tide of hate

Tone and Style

True to the personality and warmth of Hoy por Hoy, the episode is both conversational and incisively reflective. The hosts maintain a mix of gravity, empathy, and occasional humor. Simón’s interventions are especially poignant, honest, and didactic, offering hope and new perspectives without shying away from the pain and complexity of her work.

Conclusion

This episode stands as a powerful meditation on the importance of journalism in times of cynicism and violence, the ethical duty to bear witness, and the enduring possibility that stories—well told—can anchor humanity, foster empathy, and challenge impunity, even amidst overwhelming odds.