Madrid is set to host the II Congreso de Periodismo Musical on March 12, 2026, a pivotal event aiming to analyze and elevate the state of music journalism in Spain. Organized by Periodistas Asociados por la Música (PAM) with the collaboration of Fundación SGAE, AIE, and AGEDI, the congress will be held at the AIE headquarters and coincides with the award ceremony for the Premio Ruido, taking place at the Sala Berlanga, also in Madrid. This year’s event builds on the momentum of the first congress, seeking to establish March 12th as the official “Día del Periodismo Musical” – a day dedicated to recognizing the crucial role of music journalism.
The congress arrives at a critical juncture for the media landscape. The rise of artificial intelligence, evolving consumption habits, and the ongoing search for sustainable revenue models are reshaping how music is covered and consumed. The event will address these challenges head-on, presenting initial findings from a new study on the current state of music journalism, conducted in collaboration with researchers from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, IE University, and UNED. This research, funded by Fundación SGAE, aims to provide a comprehensive snapshot of the profession in 2026 and identify key areas for future development.
A Broad Range of Industry Stakeholders to Participate
Beyond the academic study, the II Congreso de Periodismo Musical will feature participation from key institutions including the Instituto Nacional de las Artes Escénicas y de la Música (INAEM), the Instituto Cervantes, and the Ministerio de Cultura. These organizations will share their perspectives on potential funding models for media outlets and music professionals. A significant portion of the day will be dedicated to exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on how media is indexed by search engines like Google, a growing concern for online publications. The congress will also examine emerging survival strategies for music journalism, including platforms like Substack, which allow writers to directly monetize their work.
Agenda Highlights: From Funding to AI and Ethical Criticism
The congress’s agenda is structured to provide a holistic view of the challenges and opportunities facing music journalism. The day will begin with opening presentations, followed by a dedicated session on funding models at 10:30 AM. At 11:45 AM, researchers will present the initial conclusions of the study on the state of the press. The afternoon sessions will delve into the impact of AI on the field (1:00 PM), the importance of negative criticism (3:30 PM), and a comparative analysis of paywalls versus AI-driven content and the potential of platforms like Substack (4:15 PM). The event will conclude with the presentation of a revised “decálogo de buenas prácticas” – a set of ethical guidelines for music journalism – building upon the work initiated at the first congress last year.
The Premio Ruido: Celebrating Spanish Musical Excellence
The II Congreso de Periodismo Musical is strategically aligned with the final of the Premio Ruido, an annual award recognizing the best musical album produced in Spain. Established in October 2015, the Premio Ruido aims to champion artistic quality and influence, mirroring the approach of the Mercury Prize. The 2025 finalists, announced earlier this year, represent a diverse range of genres, including pop, rock, electronic, flamenco, and indie pop. The winner will be announced at the Sala Berlanga on March 12th. The full list of finalists includes Amaia, Carlos Ares, Frente Abierto, FUET!, Guitarricadelafuente, Pumuky, Repion, Rosalía, Rufus T. Firefly, rusowsky, shego, and Valeria Castro. The voting period for PAM members concluded on February 9th.
The Premio Ruido, and the surrounding congress, underscore a commitment to supporting and recognizing both the creative output of Spanish musicians and the critical work of those who cover it. The event’s focus on navigating the evolving media landscape, particularly the challenges posed by AI and the search for sustainable funding, positions it as a vital forum for shaping the future of music journalism in Spain.
The II Congreso de Periodismo Musical is open to journalists associated with PAM. Further details and updates can be found on the PAM website. The event promises a day of insightful discussion and collaboration, solidifying Madrid’s role as a central hub for music and media in Spain.
As the music industry continues to evolve, the role of informed and insightful journalism remains paramount. The outcomes of the Congreso de Periodismo Musical and the announcement of the Premio Ruido winner will undoubtedly shape the conversation around Spanish music for the year ahead. The next key date to watch is March 12th, when the results of the Premio Ruido voting will be revealed and the congress concludes.
What are your thoughts on the challenges facing music journalism today? Share your perspectives in the comments below.
