Andrea Daza Tapia, PhD

Biography

I’m a full-time professor at Blanquerna School of Communication and International Relations within Ramon Llull University, a private not-for-profit foundation, committed to teaching in a critical and creative way, in line with my own values and aspirations.

I came to Spain from Venezuela more than a decade ago to do an Official Master's degree in Advanced Journalism, which later opened the door to my doctoral dissertation focused on the Catalan newspaper ARA, a print paper whose arrival in 2010 disrupted the Catalan media ecosystem with a powerful digital presence and a “new” way of tackled newsmaking and its routines.

My research took a qualitative focus based on in-depth interviews and observation, which gave me valuable insight into the reality of the media landscape in Spain. It also allowed me to reflect on and systematize my own professional background as a reporter in Venezuela, where I was born, raised, and “made into” a warm-hearted journalist.

After completing my studies in Barcelona, I worked for several years as Press Officer of the School, designing content and communication strategies with a small team of professionals and a couple of students under my supervision, in order to develop news content, press releases, and a weekly newsletter, among other activities.

Subsequent to completing my PhD, I have moved from the Press Office to devote myself fully to teaching and writing, both long-term passions of mine. Before leaving Venezuela, I had participated in the Woodrow Wilson Center - Washington Post Journalism Fellowship for Latin America and the Caribbean and also received a special mention at the First National Contest of Investigative Journalism organized by the Venezuelan chapter of the Press and Society Institute (IPYS).

Having thus gained experience as a reporter at large, and drawing on the full understanding of my immigrant soul ―albeit now with Spanish citizenship― I’m looking to view and experience the profession from its roots (students) and the transfer of knowledge (research). I also hold a Specialization Diploma in comedy writing which I used to pursue my interest in art and all its comedic possibilities: from stand-up comedy to script writing and literature.