The Alcoy City Council has entrusted two local journalism professionals, Jésica Sempere and Miguel Vilaplana, to shape and voice one of the most special moments of Alcoy's Christmas. Sempere, journalist and director of El Nostre Ciutat, will write the Royal Proclamation, while Vilaplana, a journalist for Información, will be responsible for voicing it on January 4th.
With this choice, the council aims to recognize local press, especially print media, and the individuals who, from local newsrooms, have dedicated their professional lives to reporting current events, preserving collective memory, and keeping the connection with the city and its people alive. The City Council highlights the work of these media outlets in a context of increasing disinformation.
Jésica Sempere, associated with El Nostre Ciutat since 2014 and with over two decades in local journalism, is the first woman to direct the publication since July 2026. A graduate in Audiovisual Communication, she began her career at Ciudad de Alcoy and has held various roles at El Nostre Ciutat, also coordinating six local publications.
For his part, Miguel Vilaplana has an extensive career in media such as Ciudad, EFE, and Radio Alcoy, as well as the newspaper INFORMACIÓN, where he heads the Alcoy delegation. He previously participated in the Royal Proclamation thirty years ago.
The Councilor for Festivities, Jordi Martínez, emphasized that the selection combines recognition for two professional careers with the aim of valuing the city's identity. "The Royal Proclamation is much more than a text or words spoken in the streets. It is one of the moments when Alcoy experiences collective emotion," he stated.
Martínez also highlighted the significance of recognizing local journalism, recalling the value of proximity press and its contribution to the cities' memory.
Jésica Sempere expressed her emotion about the assignment, considering it a great aspiration and an opportunity to give visibility to local journalism. She emphasized the responsibility of crafting a message that reaches all Alcoy residents.
Miguel Vilaplana expressed his satisfaction at reliving this experience thirty years later, thanking the City Council and the councilor for their trust.
