DW Global Media Forum – More than a conference
DW Global Media Forum – More than a conference
More than a conference.
The DW Global Media Forum is a space where ideas come alive and media professionals from all over the world connect. From inspiring conversations to meaningful collaborations, this is where global perspectives meet to shape the future of journalism and communication.
We are delighted to welcome so many of you to our conference each year and look forward to seeing you again on June 23 and 24 in Bonn.
If you're not already doing so, subscribe to our channel for more updates on the next conference and all things #GMF26.
Is journalism at risk of extinction if it doesn't adapt to AI? | GMF Talk with Matthew Kaminski
Is journalism as we know it at risk of extinction if it doesn't adapt to AI?
We sit down with Matthew Kaminski, co-founder of news organization Politico Europe and speaker at this year's #GMF25. He explores three pressing challenges every journalist should pay attention to:
- The rise of artificial intelligence in the media
- Structural threats to press freedom
- Persistent financing issues
Watch the interview to hear Matthew's insights on why these issues matter and where the profession needs to adapt.
What happens to TikTok, if the app gets a new owner? | GMF Talk with Dr. Chunmeizi Su
"After [TikTok's] ownership control, we could say that it’s going to be more difficult for the Chinese government to disseminate [...] content on the new TikTok."
For our latest #GMFTalk, we sat down with Dr. Chunmeizi Su, lecturer in Digital Cultures at the University of Sydney, to explore how much of the app and its algorithm would change if TikTok gets a US owner.
💡 Plus: We wanted to know what journalists should look for when covering TikTok's transparency.
Inclusive technology and inclusive journalism | GMF Talk with Christina Marx
"People with disabilities want to be treated like anybody else."
Christina Marx (Aktion Mensch spokesperson) explains that people with disabilities expect the same from chatbots as everyone else: fast, reliable, and respectful answers.
However, many still encounter ableist language. That's why Aktion Mensch developed ABLE — a tool that detects discriminatory language in chatbot responses and helps make AI more inclusive.
Marx's message to media professionals? Use language with care, because inclusive technology starts with inclusive journalism.
Reporting in dangerous environments | GMF Talk with Fanny Facsar
"There is no story worth dying for."
In our latest #GMFTalk, DW Senior International Correspondent Fanny Facsar shares her harrowing experience reporting from Ramallah, where an assignment turned into a dangerous encounter with an Israeli military raid.
Facsar and her team had set out to follow a local Palestinian journalist to document the risks faced by reporters in the occupied West Bank. But when they were suddenly targeted — despite wearing clearly marked press flak jackets — she had to decide whether to continue reporting or prioritize safety.
Reflecting on the experience, Facsar emphasized the importance of documenting reality: “People need to see a picture to believe.”
📽️ Watch now to hear her advice for journalists reporting in dangerous environments.
Accessible media | GMF Talk with Veronika Rot
"Everyone has the right to be informed."
In this #GMFTalk, Veronika Rot (Access Services Department, RTV Slovenija) emphasizes how accessibility tools such as subtitling, audio description, and simplified language are not just for people with disabilities — they benefit all audiences. Accessible media ensures vital information reaches everyone, whether you're in a noisy environment or navigating complex news.
But according to Rot, there's still work left to do: Despite progress, public service broadcasters still lack common standards for accessibility practices.
For her, the goal remains clear: delivering information to all members of society, regardless of ability, background, or circumstance.
Watch now to find out how she thinks this can be achieved.
This was the 2025 DW Global Media Forum | #GMF25
From Bonn to the world: The 2025 DW Global Media Forum brought together over 1,000 participants from 95 countries and nearly 170 speakers across three iconic venues.
Relive the energy, insights, and unforgettable moments from the 18th edition of our conference.
🎥 Watch the sessions here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnRODqqz08xKro9A7GA5v0fWe4urHrWxL&si=gfpnjKrsDKrZPMdf
📅 Planning for #GMF26 is already underway—stay tuned for updates on next year’s edition!
#GMF25 #BreakingBarriersBuildingBridges #BreakingBarriers #BuildingBridges #BBBB
Between efficiency and ethics – AI in journalism | GMF 2025
Artificial intelligence is fundamentally restructuring journalism. While new opportunities for more efficient workflows and innovative formats are emerging, challenges remain: it is unclear how AI will influence editorial decisions and journalistic independence. With new AI models transforming the media landscape, the debate on responsible use, AI’s economic and environmental implications is gaining urgency. Between efficiency and ethics, innovation and control, the use of AI has already had a significant impact on the media industry and will continue to shape its future. The question is not just how AI will change journalism, but how to navigate and shape this transformation.
Panelists:
- Nikita Roy, Founder of Newsroom Robots Labs
- Carl Miller, Founder of the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media
- Sally Hammoud, PhD. AI in Media / Chief AI Officer
- Christo Buschek, Investigative Data Journalist at Der SPIEGEL
#GMF25
#BreakingBarriersBuildingBridges
#BreakingBarriers
#BuildingBridges
#BBB
Building bridges: how to make the journalistic profession more inclusive | GMF 2025
Unbiased information should reach everyone. Yet, there are many obstacles that can prevent information from reaching its target audience. Some people may not feel represented by the perspectives taken by journalists. Whereas, for people with disabilities, media content has to be prepared so that it can be received without losing any information. Where should editorial decisions be made to plan and design journalistic content to be more inclusive? What technical and conceptual innovations are available to optimize how we convey content? And why does everyone benefit when people from diverse communities are part of the discussion?
Panelists:
- Aurel Mertz, Comedian, actor, and presenter
- Ragamalika Karthikeyan, Co-Founder of InQlusive Newsrooms
- Claire M. Gorman, Head of Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) International
Mind Games: How disinformation manipulates us and what we can do about it | GMF 2025
Disinformation is a major threat to open societies—and a billion-dollar industry powered by tech and powerful actors. But why is it so successful?
This panel put a critical focus on the role of users. Citizens are active information consumers. They swipe and share, feed algorithms and often deliberately tune into toxic content. They prefer emotional messaging over fact-based information, influencers' opinions over journalists' analyses and news bulletins. Younger users in particular have all but dismissed legacy media.
What's behind these choices? How can public interest media retain trust? How can we encourage young citizens to use their outreach to participate meaningfully in social discourse? And how do media and information literacy come into play? Experts from DW Akademie and partners shared insights from media practices and literacy programs designed to foster a healthier information ecosystem.
Panelists:
- Tandin Wangmo, Executive Director of the Bhutan Centre for Media and Democracy
- María Paula Murcia Huertas, Co-founder and Editor of Mutante
- Renée DiResta, Associate Research Professor at Georgetown University McCourt School
#GMF25
#breakingbarriersbuildingbridges
#breakingbarriers
#buildingbridges
#bbbb
How to keep your head up in the newsroom | GMF 2025
Despite their professionalism and journalistic distance, media professionals sometimes reach a point where they can lose courage and confidence. Not only in the face of an increasing number of conflicts and social divisions, but also against the backdrop of sometimes high economic pressure, it can sometimes be difficult to jump back into the hamster wheel that is journalism. Could new approaches like constructive journalism or focusing on good news only possibly have positive effects not only on users but also on journalists and their working conditions?
Panelists:
- Azaz Syed, Senior Journalist at Geo News
- Olga Rudenko, Editor-in-Chief of The Kyiv Independent
- Ellen Heinrichs, Founder and CEO of the Bonn Institute
#GMF25
#breakingbarriersbuildingbridges
#breakingbarriers
#buildingbridges
#bbbb
Impulse: Carole Cadwalladr, Investigative Journalist | GMF 2025
Carole Cadwalladr is an award-winning investigative journalist and podcaster. A former Guardian and Observer writer, she exposed the Cambridge Analytica scandal, earning a Pulitzer Prize nomination. Her TED Talk on Facebook and Brexit gained global attention. She co-hosted the BBC podcast Stalked and writes the Substack newsletter How to Survive the Broligarchy. Featured in Netflix’s The Great Hack, she has won multiple journalism awards and successfully defended against a major SLAPP lawsuit.
In her keynote at #GMF25, Carole Cadwalladr ...
#GMF25
#breakingbarriersbuildingbridges
#breakingbarriers
#buildingbridges
#bbbb
