Aníbal de Castro receives the Journalistic Merit Award

The Association of Art Chroniclers ( Acroarte ) celebrated the fourteenth edition of the Acroarte Award for Journalistic Merit 2025, an award that since 2012 recognizes the careers of national communications professionals and other key figures in Dominican society who have made important contributions to the arts, culture, and communications.

The following were recognized: Aníbal de Castro , president of the Diario Libre Group; Fernando Hasbún, president of Grupo SIN; Josefina Miniño, a master of folk dance; and Leonel Lirio, the elder of Dominican fashion. The award ceremony also honored veteran journalist Dania Goris.

The duty of journalism

[object HTMLTextAreaElement] — Aníbal de Castro emphasizes the practice of journalism during his speech. ( **KEVIN RIVAS/DIARIO LIBRE** )

Journalist and diplomat Aníbal de Castro was highlighted for his career in the field of national communications, serving as an example for new generations of responsible , coherent and democratic journalism.

Upon receiving the award from journalist Zoila Puello and Acroarte Executive Committee member José D'Laura, the president of the Diario Libre Group gave a profound reflection on journalistic work.

"This award is now called Aníbal de Castro , but at its core, it's a tribute to a profession that doesn't always enjoy the recognition it deserves: journalism ."

He analyzed that this field is experiencing times when many people with social media accounts believe they have access to information, to express opinions without context, to disseminate without verification, and this is where " journalism becomes more necessary than ever."

"It's not enough to have a voice; you have to have judgment ." And he reflected that "it's not enough to know how to speak; you have to know how to tell the truth ."

His words drew applause from those present at the Intercontinental Hotel . Castro expressed his gratitude on behalf of all those " colleagues who carry out this profession with decency, perseverance, and a sense of duty ."

Aníbal de Castro dedicated the recognition to his colleagues who practice their profession with decency, perseverance, and duty. — Aníbal de Castro dedicated the award to his colleagues who practice their profession with "decency, perseverance, and duty." ( **DIARIO LIBRE/KEVIN RIVAS** )

Aníbal de Castro and Tina de Castro. ( **DIARIO LIBRE/KEVIN RIVAS** )

Other recognized

During her opening remarks, Acroarte President Wanda Sánchez praised the honorees and emphasized that "today, more than ever, the country needs role models like you. This award belongs to you not only for what you have achieved, but for what you have sown in our country for a better society."

Also recognized at the gala were journalists and communicators Máximo Jiménez, from Santo Domingo; Jacqueline Contreras, from the New York branch; Marilyn Ventura, from the Santiago branch; and Juan Sánchez, from the Florida branch.

The XIV Acroarte Award for Journalistic Merit was broadcast live nationwide by RTVD, Channel 4 , and was hosted by Wendy C. Mora and Víctor Gómez Casanova.

It featured the artistic participation of Kinito Méndez and Diomary la Mala .

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