Using AI and Technology for Social Change in Cuba with José Nieves of El Toque

Host: Yumi Wilson

Guest: José Jasán Nieves Cárdenas, Editor-in-Chief of El Toque and ICFJ Knight Fellow

Summary:

In this episode of AI and Journalism, I sit down with José Jasán Nieves Cárdenas, the editor-in-chief of El Toque, an independent digital media outlet based in Cuba. José, an ICFJ Knight Fellow, shares fascinating insights into how his team leverages artificial intelligence to navigate the complex landscape of Cuban media and society.

We explore El Toque's groundbreaking work in using AI and data journalism to illuminate critical issues in Cuba, from tracking the black market exchange rate to documenting the stories of Cuban migrants. José discusses the challenges of operating as an independent media outlet in Cuba, including government pressure and the need for innovative approaches to gathering and presenting information.

Throughout our conversation, José emphasizes the importance of using technology for reporting and as a tool for social impact, citizen empowerment and preserving human dignity. His stories highlight how AI and journalism can work together to create meaningful change despite significant obstacles. 

Highlights:

• El Toque innovatively uses AI to track Cuba's black market exchange rate, transforming social media data into real-time financial insights for Cuban citizens.
• The personal and professional challenges faced by El Toque's team include government attempts to discredit their work and concerns for personal safety.
• Insight into El Toque's award-winning transmedia project that engaged the public and sparked debate about Cuba's constitutional reform.
• José's role as an ICFJ Knight Fellow and his focus on creating sustainable models for media operating in exile.

Best Quotes:

On Empowering Cuban Citizens Through Legal Education:

"We need to challenge that narrative. We need to start to say that people, look, you need to understand the laws. To change the law, you need to first understand the law, and you need to know your rights, or you need to know that you don't have rights."

On the Human Aspect of Data Journalism:

"Those numbers are people, and they had history and panic. So we create, like a memorial of the Cuba migrants that die in the fruit to reach the US."

On Using Technology as a Memorial and Tool for Finding the Disappeared:

"We want also to use this as a memorial to keep the memory of these people alive, also as a tool to help to find people disappear because it's happiness. Are people that haven't been found, so you're still looking for them."

Resources and Links:

• El Toque Website
• Follow El Toque on Twitter: @eltoquecom
• ICFJ Knight Fellowships

Learn More About José Nieves and El Toque:

• Follow José on Twitter: @jnieves90
• El Toque's Facebook Page

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