Joan Barata on Media, Disinformation, and Free Speech in the Mediterranean

The phenomenon of disinformation is not foreign to the Mediterranean region. Local and foreign actors alike make use of diverse communication environments to disseminate content and narratives aimed at shaping public opinion and undermining free access to information. As in other regions, a sound understanding of the problem—and the development of effective responses—requires close attention to factors such as the role of states as disseminators of disinformation, the condition of the media ecosystem, cultural and socio-economic contexts, the use of disinformation regulation as a means to restrict dissenting voices, and existing institutional weaknesses.

Within this framework, Joan Barata will deliver the lecture “Disinformation and Freedom of Speech in the Euro-Mediterranean Region” as part of the Aula Mediterrània Lecture Series 2025–2026.

The session will be moderated by Pere Franch, Professor at the Faculty of Communication and International Relations, Blanquerna-URL, and is co-organised with the Master’s Degree in International Journalism at Blanquerna-URL.

📅 5 February 2026
🕡 18:30
📍 IEMed Conference Room (Carrer Girona, 20 · Barcelona)
🗣 Conference | English