Solutions for Independent Journalism in the Age of AI

Artificial intelligence, algorithms, and the increasing market power of digital platforms are fundamentally reshaping how we communicate and how information is produced and gathered. Consequently, they exert a growing influence on the functioning of our democracies, which rely on reliable information.

What is reality, and what is a digital hallucination? Who or what determines the algorithms that dictate the flow of information across social media channels? Are we all trapped in digital bubbles? Which information can we trust?

Journalism, in its role as a watchdog and a central pillar of democracy, is being affected at its very core. Content creation, information consumption, audience engagement, and remuneration models are all directly impacted—sometimes positively, but often in more contentious ways.

One thing is clear: the drastic shift in how information is gathered, produced, and consumed necessitates new solutions and a systemic change to ensure that journalism can continue to fulfill its public-interest mandate. These solutions must be developed and agreed upon by all stakeholders: governments, international networks, private companies, media professionals, and CSOs.

Our discussion, held on the International Day of Democracy, aims at creating a space for dialogue between stakeholders to explore concrete solutions for strengthening independent journalism within an AI-driven media ecosystem. Together, we will examine what fair relationships between media and technology companies should look like, how journalistic content can be protected and monetized, and where common international standards are required.

The event will be held under the Chatham House rule to enable an open and honest exchange.

Setting the Scene:

Dr. Rose Kimani
Project Manager DW Akademie

Panelists:

Katja Pehrman
Ambassador for Human Rights and Disability Inclusion & Co-Chair Media Freedom Coalition, Finland

Jakob Kucharczyk
Competition & IP Policy Lead, Europe Open AI

Paula Fray
Independent Panelist, South African Competition Commission’s Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry

Karel Degraeve
Journalist, Expert AI & Innovation VRT NWS, Belgium

Moderator:

Carsten von Nahmen
Managing Director DW Akademie

Opening Remarks:

Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Belgium, Martin Kotthaus

Closing Remarks:

Ambassador of Great Britain to Belgium, Anne Sherriff

Venue:

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Brussels
Rue Jacques de Lalaing 8-14

Please note that due to the embassy's security protocol, bringing large luggage will not be permitted. Please bring a valid piece of identification.

Date:

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Time:

18:00 – 20:00 (followed by a Reception)
Doors open at 17:30

Event closed

Please fill out all (*) fields below.

Personal data

First Name

Last Name

E-Mail

Additional information

Institution

Job Title

Legal Information

Terms

With the registration, the terms and conditions are accepted. (View Terms)

I am a first-time guest at a DW event and agree to be informed about and invited to DW events in the future. I am aware that I can revoke this consent in writing at any time.

Privacy

Here you will find all information about privacy (Show information)

Your registration

Option:
Details: 15.09.2026 18:00 - 20:00; Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Brussels 1040
Price (EUR):

back Event closed

Option	Price	Status
default	Free	Not available

	Number of participants

	Payment method

Organizer imprint
Company	Deutsche Welle
Contact	Herr Sven Boxberg
Street	Kurt-Schumacher-Str. 3
ZIP / Town	53113 Bonn
Country	DE
Mail	sven.boxberg@dw.com
Phone
Website
Register court
Commercial register no.
Tax ID	DE123052407
Legal Information

EventManager Online