GMF 2019 focusing on fundamental shifts in power in the media, society and politics

In 12th DW Global Media Forum 2019, More than 2,000 media professionals and decision-makers representing the various profession and society from 140 countries will discuss “Shifting powers” on May 27-28, 2019.

Germany’s Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier integrated the international media conference together with DW Director General Peter Limbourg. Steinmeier addresses the international guests via live stream in conversation with Limbourg.

"The freedom of press is under pressure on a worldwide scale," says German President Frank Walter Steinmeier #DW_GMF pic.twitter.com/Adnu9bx3Lt

— DW Global Media Forum (@DW_GMF) May 27, 2019

In an interview with DW’s director-general, Peter Limbourg, to open this year’s Global Media Forum (GMF), German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned against complacency both within politics and the media. In his opening remarks, Steinmeier highlighted the importance of the outcome of the European elections and in particular welcomed the high voter turnout.

“Anticipation is high. Together with many international media representatives, supporters and partners, we will set the tone and generate a lot of attention, in Germany and abroad. In the form of a constructive conversation, we want to raise awareness of the fundamental shifts in power in the media, society and politics within the context of the advancing digitalization,” says Peter Limbourg.

Keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops will tackle the big questions of the future of journalism.

 
The two-day conference will kick off with a debate “Who has the power in the media landscape?” between Springer CEO Mathias Döpfner, Aroon Purie, the influential co-founder of the India Today Group, and Jesper Doub from Facebook.

American computer scientist, artist, author and entrepreneur Jaron Lanier will show how social media change our communication. His thesis: Silicon Valley has everything under control.

Among others, Can Dündar, former editor-in-chief of the Turkish daily Cumhuriyet, and Georg Mascolo, head of the NDR, WDR, and SZ investigative research network, will discuss developments – and above all distortions – in the relationship between media and politics.

A powerful speech by Anabel Hernández paying tribute to journalists who risk their lives in the quest for truth. @dw_freedom #dw_gmf pic.twitter.com/gaRTS4KODa

— DW Global Media Forum (@DW_GMF) May 27, 2019

Numerous workshops run by partner organizations on topics like hate speech and social bots deal, for example, with shifts in power towards the younger generation and their involvement, particularly in social media. Speakers include UN representative Rita Izsak-Ndiaye, a human rights expert from Hungary.

Another global issue is the future of local journalism. Anna Minj, Director Community Empowerment BRAC, Michael Bröcker, editor-in-chief of the German daily Rheinische Post, Sa’a Ibrahim, head of Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV) in Nigeria, and Chani Guyot of the Argentine news start-up RED/ACCION will discuss local journalism’s importance in various regions of the world.

As the director of the Community Empowerment Program at @BRACworld in Bangladesh, Anna Minj uses radio in local dialects to reach women and the illiterate — the most excluded members of society. #dw_gmf pic.twitter.com/hC76yfLjli

— DW Global Media Forum (@DW_GMF) May 27, 2019

Also in this occasion, The DW Freedom of Speech Award will be presented to Mexican journalist and author Anabel Hernández on May 27. The journalist will receive the award for her courageous fight against corruption, cover-ups and impunity in Mexico. he laudation will be given by Misha Glenny, author of “McMafia,” speaker on politics, history, org crime, hi-tech crime and security.