Research Professor, Pontifical Javeriana University,Colombia
Andrés Barrios Rubio is an accomplished Colombian social communicator and journalist with 24 years of experience in journalism, 21 years in university teaching and research, and over a decade in academic management. He holds a Ph.D. in Communication Content in the Digital Age, awarded Cum Laude by the Autonomous University of Barcelona. As a senior researcher, he focuses on the impact of digital technologies, ICTs, and social media on journalism and radio. Barrios is a dynamic educator and director, known for his expertise in developing innovative curricula and programs, including the Master’s in Digital Content Generation and Management. His career spans media outlets such as Pulzo.com, Colmundo Radio, and National Radio of Colombia, alongside leading university radio stations. His research interests include digital convergence, podcasting, and the future of media industries in the digital era.
Profile
Strengths for the Award
- Extensive Research and Academic Experience
Andrés Barrios Rubio’s 24 years in journalism and 21 years in university research and teaching demonstrate a deep and sustained engagement with both the practical and academic realms of communication and journalism. His long-standing academic career is complemented by a PhD in Communication Content in the Digital Age from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, showcasing his profound understanding of the evolving digital landscape. His contributions to international and national research projects are significant, particularly those exploring radio, ICT, digital media convergence, and the impact of social networks on youth.
- Prolific Publication Record
With a strong portfolio of academic publications, including high-impact journal articles and books like “La r@dio en la sonoesfera digital” and “La radio generalista colombiana ante el desafío digital: un modelo en transición”, Barrios Rubio has consistently contributed to scholarly discourse. His work is cited widely (e.g., “Teenagers, smartphones and digital audio consumption in the age of Spotify” cited 155 times), indicating his research’s relevance and influence in the field of media studies, digital communication, and ICTs.
- Leadership in Academic Research
Barrios Rubio has played a pivotal role in research leadership, both within institutions like Pontifical Javeriana University and Antonio de Nebrija University, and in the broader academic community. His efforts in creating and consolidating international networks of researchers and overseeing significant research initiatives (e.g., focusing on radio in the digital age) position him as a recognized leader in the communication field. His participation as a peer reviewer for various accreditation bodies and his involvement in international congresses and seminars further underline his prominence in the academic community.
- Interdisciplinary Approach
His research spans across various areas, including radio production, social networks, digital audio consumption, and media convergence, often drawing insights from multiple disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach enhances the depth and breadth of his contributions, making them highly applicable to both academic and practical contexts, particularly in the era of digital transformation.
- Global and Local Impact
Barrios Rubio’s research is not only recognized in Colombia but has also made significant international contributions. His research on ICTs, digital media, and radio has been presented at conferences in countries like Spain, the United States, Chile, and Mexico. His ability to bridge national and international perspectives makes his research a valuable resource for both local and global media industries.
- Mentorship and Teaching Excellence
His teaching experience in prestigious universities, combined with the high satisfaction rates he consistently receives in evaluations, demonstrates his ability to effectively communicate complex ideas to students and foster their development as media professionals. As a thesis director and jury member, Barrios Rubio contributes directly to shaping the next generation of communicators.
Areas for Improvement
- Broadening Research Themes
While Barrios Rubio has a solid focus on digital media, radio, and ICTs, expanding his research into emerging fields like artificial intelligence in media production, ethics in digital communication, or digital privacy could broaden his scope and make his work even more forward-thinking. These are areas gaining increasing attention in the communication and media industries.
- Cross-Cultural Comparisons
Although Barrios Rubio has made valuable contributions in Colombia and across Latin America, incorporating comparative studies involving other regions (e.g., Europe, Asia) could enhance the global applicability of his findings. A broader, cross-cultural analysis would make his work even more relevant in understanding the global challenges and transformations facing the media industry.
- Public Engagement and Outreach
While his academic impact is significant, increasing the public dissemination of his research through media channels, public lectures, or collaborations with industry stakeholders would make his insights more accessible to non-academic audiences. This could help bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications in the media industry.
Education
Andrés Barrios Rubio holds a Ph.D. in Communication Content in the Digital Age from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (2016), where his thesis was awarded Cum Laude and the Extraordinary Doctorate Award. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano (2001), followed by a Master’s in Business Administration with a specialization in Project Management from Viña del Mar University (2015). He also holds a Specialist degree in Digital Editing and Multimedia from the University of Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano (2006). Barrios has further enhanced his academic portfolio with international certifications and participation in research congresses globally, contributing to a diverse and continually updated knowledge base in communication, media, and digital technologies. His academic formation is supported by extensive research on media, technology convergence, and communication systems in the digital age.
Experience
Andrés Barrios Rubio has had a long and varied career in journalism, teaching, and academic management. He is a Professor at Pontifical Javeriana University since 2021, with high student satisfaction and publications in leading journals. Additionally, he has been an Associate Researcher at Antonio de Nebrija University (since 2020), where he has led inter-institutional research projects and fostered an international network of researchers. Previously, Barrios served as Director of the Department of Social Communication and Cinematography and Director of the Master’s in Digital Content Generation and Management at the University of Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano (2017-2020). He has also directed various university radio stations, including Óyeme Utadeo and UCompensar Stereo. Barrios has extensive media experience, including positions at Pulzo.com, National Radio of Colombia, and Caracol Radio. His professional background spans project management, teaching, research, and media production.
Research Focus
Andrés Barrios Rubio’s research focuses on the intersection of digital technologies and traditional media, particularly radio and journalism in the digital age. His work examines the impact of ICTs and social media on communication practices, with special attention to how digital tools and platforms shape public opinion, content creation, and audience engagement. Barrios investigates media convergence, with a particular emphasis on how radio stations adapt to the digital age and the role of podcasts in media consumption. His studies on digital audio consumption and the behavior of young audiences reflect the changing dynamics of media industries, especially in Colombia and Latin America. Another key area of interest is the impact of social networks on intercultural communication. His findings are widely published in national and international journals, contributing to a deeper understanding of digital communication models, media transformation, and the evolving role of journalists and communicators in the digital era.
Publication
📖 Los jóvenes y la red: usos y consumos de los nuevos medios en la sociedad de la información y la comunicación
📖 Teenagers, smartphones and digital audio consumption in the age of Spotify
📖 Convergencia Digital: Nuevos perfiles profesionales del periodista
📖 El comunicador en el entorno digital
📖 Deserción universitaria en Chile: incidencia del financiamiento y otros factores asociados
📖 Narrativa periodística en la convergencia de medios
📖 La radio universitaria, ¿una mezcla de experiencia, juventud y tecnología?
📖 La radio en la era de la sociedad digital
📖 El ecosistema educativo universitario impactado por las TIC
📖 The transformation of the Colombian media industry in the smartphone era
📖 El periodista frente a los nuevos retos y escenarios de la convergencia mediática colombiana
📖 Reconfiguración de las dinámicas de la industria radiofónica colombiana en el ecosistema digital
📖 Prácticas juveniles de consumo sonoro, entre grandes plataformas y el ecosistema radiofónico: caso Colombia-España
📖 Migración de la estrategia radiofónica colombiana: del sonido a las pantallas sociales
📖 Formación de comunicadores ‘transmedia’ para el público de la generación digital
📖 Comunicación mediática y social en el entorno de crisis, polarización e inconformismo colombiano
📖 Radio, music and podcast in the consumption agenda of Colombian adolescents and youth in the digital sonosphere
📖 Del offline a la r@dio: las experiencias de la industria radiofónica española y colombiana
📖 La radio colombiana frente al reto digital
📖 La radio generalista colombiana ante el desafío digital: un modelo en transición
Conclusion
Andrés Barrios Rubio is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive research in digital media, ICTs, and radio, coupled with his leadership in academia and international collaboration, underscores his stature as a leading scholar in communication. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the understanding of media convergence and audience behavior in the digital age. His prolific publication record, teaching excellence, and ongoing research endeavors place him at the forefront of his field, making him an ideal recipient of this prestigious award.