Over 1,500 Global Media Stakeholders converge in Germany for DW Forum

By: Eugene Dogbatse Atsu
More than 1,500 journalists, media executives, academics, policymakers, and civil society leaders from over 100 countries have gathered in Bonn, Germany, for the 2026 Deutsche Welle (DW) Global Media Forum.

The two-day event has brought together media professionals and thought leaders from across the world to deliberate on emerging challenges confronting the industry, including misinformation, artificial intelligence, media sustainability, and the protection of press freedom.

Held under the theme, “Journalism Out Loud!”, the forum opened with calls for journalists to remain committed to truth, accountability and independent reporting in an era increasingly shaped by disinformation and technological disruption.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, DW Director General, Barbara Massing, urged journalists to continue defending democratic values and ensuring citizens have access to credible information.

“Journalism must speak fearlessly and responsibly,” she said, stressing the critical role of the media in safeguarding democracy and fostering informed public discourse.

Participants are expected to engage in panel discussions, workshops and networking sessions covering a wide range of issues, including journalist safety, climate reporting, digital transformation and strategies to rebuild public trust in the media.

The forum has also attracted prominent media figures from Africa and beyond, highlighting the growing importance of global collaboration in addressing common challenges facing news organisations.

Organisers say the annual gathering serves as a platform for dialogue, innovation and the exchange of ideas among journalists, policymakers, technology experts and civil society actors working to strengthen independent media worldwide.

The 2026 edition is expected to produce fresh insights and recommendations on how journalism can adapt to a rapidly changing information landscape while maintaining its core mission of informing the public and holding power to account.