Media Museum in Resistencia, Argentina: A Basque’s Idea

How and when did the idea arise to create a Media Museum?

The idea of a Media Museum originated from the journalist community of Chaco, to create a museum that would reunite a historical landmark that witnessed the history of mass media of this province, in the old building that occupied the ex- newspaper El Territorio. In 1998, his idea began to take shape with the selling of the property located in the city of Resistance. The building was remodeled and inaugurated on August 27, 1999.

Did its professional foundation influence the first step towards this endeavor?

I believe that a professional foundation is important for any new endeavor, but also I am convinced that it takes more then just that. I was working in Subsecretaria of Culture for the Province of Chaco as the Cultural Director in the general sense of the term. When the idea arose for this endeavor, they proposed this idea to me and I decided to accept. At that time I knew very little regarding museum studies but had experience in management and management was needed to create this museum. I was aware of the risks that it came with: it would be a museum where the world of journalism would have a strong presence, and the media would be sure to make their reactions known. Luckily I believe that the things turned out well for us, at least that is what was reflected by the press.

Does it have governmental support?

The museum is a public institution, thus without the assistance of the state, could not function. Although economic support is necessary and we can never get enough – what I value the most is the confidence that grants us to have absolute freedom to plan our activities. Since 1999 we have had four different directors in the education and culture department, and they have all shown us great respect. I believe that this is owed to the fact that they value our work and they understand that we have gained a special place in society.

What is the role of the prior El Territorio building and Ernesto Zamudio in this project?

The museum’s building is of the ex-newspaper El Territorio, which operated in Chaco between 1919 and 1989, directed by Ernesto Zamudio between 1925 and 1954, when the government forced him to sell it to the CGT. The building symbolizes how the mass media functioned here more then when they were in the homes of the chaqueños (people of Chaco), since we must put into consideration that this province became part of a nationally political era at the end of the XIX century. That is why, even after fifteen years of the newspaper being closed, people continue talking about this building as El Territorio. Ernesto Zamudio is not only remembered for having directed the newspaper, but also for his commitment with society that has caused him to undergo persecution and jail on more than one occasion.

What can be seen in the museum?

The Museum displays in its different rooms remnants that attest to the process of newspaper manufacturing. At that time, the pages were made of lead in order to utilize the rotators. The original machines that printed El Territorio are exhibited. We have also added the rooms for Radio, Television, and Cinema which reflect the evolution of these means of communication at the national and international level. We are now trying to form a collection of cameras and photographs.

If you had to name one of the exhibits as the jewel of the museum which would you choose?

Each object of the museum comprises a part of a whole. Nevertheless, I believe that the Linotype is everything a symbol aspires to be. The operator would transcribe the reporter’s notes by removing lines of lead from the machines, but there were many Linotype operators that were reporters and wrote notes directly onto the Linotype - an inconceivable amount of effort for that era.

Are there any similar institutions in other parts of Latin America?

There are museums that possess some similar elements to what we have, but I am not aware of another museum that has it all. In other words, a museum that exhibits objects that show the process of how a newspaper is manufactured, or the history of the radiotelephony, television, and cinema. I did an internship at the Museo del Periodismo y las Artes Gráficas de Guadalajara, México. I believe that is the closest one we have, but it does not have many of the elements that we count on, nor does it show the comprehensive process that we present. Therefore, I believe that this museum is something the Province of the Chaco should be proud of and the media should make its existence known.