On December 1, 1985, the first issue of this media outlet was released, as a new commitment from what was then the only RADIO station in LANZAROTE. And from that station that had become THE VOICE of this island, ...
On December 1, 1985, the first issue of this media outlet was released, as a new commitment from what was then the only RADIO station in LANZAROTE. And from that station that had become THE VOICE of this island, the name of our newspaper emerged.
Last Wednesday, 25 years later, the anniversary of La Voz de Lanzarote found us working. Doing the same thing that has been done from this house in the last quarter of a century, although now adapted to the new times, and with the constant challenge of improving and continuing to reach readers through all possible tools and media. To facilitate access to information and to maintain the commitment to what should be the basic premises of this profession: to reveal what is hidden and give a voice to those who do not have one.
Since its creation by Agustín Acosta, this medium has witnessed profound changes. Economic transformation, agony of the primary sector, disappearance of what were large industries, the advance of cement, environmental battles, some battles won, social advances... A whole story that La Voz de Lanzarote has been telling, just as it continues to do today, 25 years later, even if some regret it, or precisely because of it. And as journalist Horacio Verbitsky said, "journalism is reporting on what someone doesn't want to be known, the rest is propaganda".
In the current context of the media around the world, in which the digital revolution has generated a profound crisis in the traditional business model of newspapers, it is undoubtedly a double reason for satisfaction to celebrate 25 years, when what really prevails today is the disappearance of titles. But like any "crisis", it really only represents a change towards a new scenario, in which the Internet offers a promising future, with an increasingly information-hungry public. And in that context, the Internet not only offers immediacy, but also a model of total journalism, which allows to combine the advantages of all conventional media: that is, radio, television and the written press.
And La Voz has been moving towards this new scenario for years. Already in 1998, this newspaper decided to bet decisively on new technologies and began to promote the website created a few years earlier, becoming one of the first newspapers in Spain to have a digital edition. La Voz de Lanzarote went out to look for the new platforms of Internet users, who until then remained away from conventional media, and seven years later, in 2005, that bet was redoubled.
Lavozdelanzarote.com began its journey towards what it is today, and rethought the printed edition, transforming it into a free weekly. It was thus committed to a combination of two formats to reach all types of audiences and make access to information as easy as possible for all citizens. From the corners of the island to which our printed edition arrives every Friday, to computers, social networks and even mobile phones, where La Voz is present, within its vocation to reach wherever the reader is, in a constantly evolving society.
Now, on this 25th anniversary, it is necessary to thank all those who have contributed to writing this path and those who continue to forge the future of this newspaper. To thank the professionals who over these 25 years have been part of the La Voz team, and those who continue today putting their passion and effort into this media outlet. To thank the advertisers who bet on this newspaper as an advertising medium. And, of course, to thank the readers, without whom it would have been impossible to get here.
With your help, we have also managed to ensure that they are no longer simple spectators of what happens. Their messages, and of course their contribution through the section "You also make LA VOZ", in which they expose their complaints, their denunciations and their own vision of the island, have allowed not only to give the opportunity for citizens to channel their demands, but also for us to feel every day that they are there, and that they want to participate and continue writing the history of La Voz de Lanzarote. The history of this island.
In that issue of December 1, 1985, the first editorial of this newspaper made its essence clear: "We burst today into the public life of the island with an unwavering objective: that of our modest, but determined, contribution to the insular good. We do not consider ourselves champions, redeemers, or pompous defenders of the island. Those of us who constitute La Voz de Lanzarote aspire to defend our habitat and that of our children. We want the land in which we live to advance towards material improvements, but also moral ones".
Today, 25 years after having "burst into the public life of the island", La Voz has evolved, uses new communication channels and continues in a constant change towards the future, but maintains intact the same objectives, the same spirit and the same vocation to inform.
Thanks to all who make it possible.
