Manifesto

Democracy needs many voices

Democracy thrives on the freedom to express different opinions. On open exchange. On critical questions. On different perspectives.

Above all, it depends on people being able to form their own opinions on the basis of credible information.

That foundation is changing. Big Tech gatekeeper platforms and artificial intelligence are opening up new ways to reach people with information. This presents a major opportunity. At the same time, the risk of disinformation and fake news spreading is increasing. Taking responsibility for what we communicate is therefore becoming ever more important.

Clarity and orientation does not emerge on its own. It comes from people researching and verifying information, providing context and being willing to take responsibility for their work. That is precisely what professional journalism stands for.

Manifesto

Democracy needs many voices

Democracy thrives on the freedom to express different opinions. On open exchange. On critical questions. On different perspectives.

Above all, it depends on people being able to form their own opinions on the basis of credible information.

That foundation is changing. Big Tech gatekeeper platforms and artificial intelligence are opening up new ways to reach people with information. This presents a major opportunity. At the same time, the risk of disinformation and fake news spreading is increasing. Taking responsibility for what we communicate is therefore becoming ever more important.

Clarity and orientation does not emerge on its own. It comes from people researching and verifying information, providing context and being willing to take responsibility for their work. That is precisely what professional journalism stands for.

Our principle

Media organisations differ. They report differently. Their commentary differs. They take different editorial positions. And that is precisely their strength. Pluralism is essential to a vibrant democratic public sphere. That is why, for the first time, media organisations in Germany are taking a joint stand: not for individual organisations, but for a shared conviction.

Our principle

Media organisations differ. They report differently. Their commentary differs. They take different editorial positions. And that is precisely their strength. Pluralism is essential to a vibrant democratic public sphere. That is why, for the first time, media organisations in Germany are taking a joint stand: not for individual organisations, but for a shared conviction.

Our vision

An informed society

Professional journalism is recognised as a source of clarity and context. Local and regional media create spaces for people to meet, debate and strengthen democratic cohesion.

The digital public sphere

Technological innovation and journalistic responsibility complement each other. Artificial intelligence supports people, but it is never a substitute for human responsibility.

A fair policy framework

Policy frameworks safeguard freedom of the press and broadcasting and strengthen media pluralism. They create a level playing field between Big Tech gatekeeper platforms and journalistic media services, and secure the financial sustainability of free media.

Looking ahead

Our vision is a modern, diverse media landscape that is fit for the future. It embraces technological change while maintaining its professional standards.

Our vision

An informed society

Professional journalism is recognised as a source of clarity and context. Local and regional media create spaces for people to meet, debate and strengthen democratic cohesion.

The digital public sphere

Technological innovation and journalistic responsibility complement each other. Artificial
intelligence supports people, but it is never a substitute for human responsibility.

A fair policy framework

Policy frameworks safeguard freedom of the press and broadcasting and strengthen media pluralism. They create a level playing field between Big Tech gatekeeper platforms and journalistic media services, and secure the financial sustainability of free media.

Looking ahead

Our vision is a modern, diverse media landscape that is fit for the future. It embraces technological change while maintaining its professional standards.

Our values

Freedom of the press and broadcasting

Free media are essential to a free society. They enable scrutiny, transparency and public debate.

Freedom of expression

Democracy thrives on different perspectives. Diversity is its greatest strength.

Responsibility

Journalism takes responsibility for the content it publishes. Research, fact-checking, transparency and a willingness to correct mistakes build credibility.

Clarity and context

In a world of limitless information, reliable context is increasingly valuable. It helps people make sense of information and form their own opinions.

Credibility

Trust is built when journalism is professional, verifiable and responsible.

Democratic debate

Democracy needs spaces where different views can be debated respectfully. Professional journalism creates those spaces.

Pluralism

Pluralism does not mean that anything goes. It means that different voices together make an informed democratic public sphere possible.

Transparency

People must be able to understand how editorial decisions are made. Reliable sources, verifiable facts and transparent working practices strengthen trust in the media.

Our values

Freedom of the press and broadcasting

Free media are essential to a free society. They enable scrutiny, transparency and public debate.

Freedom of expression

Democracy thrives on different perspectives. Diversity is its greatest strength.

Responsibility

Journalism takes responsibility for the content it publishes. Research, fact-checking, transparency and a willingness to correct mistakes build credibility.

Clarity and context

In a world of limitless information, reliable context is increasingly valuable. It helps people make sense of information and form their own opinions.

Credibility

Trust is built when journalism is professional, verifiable and responsible.

Democratic debate

Democracy needs spaces where different views can be debated respectfully. Professional journalism creates those spaces.

Pluralism

Pluralism does not mean that anything goes. It means that different voices together make an informed democratic public sphere possible.

Transparency

People must be able to understand how editorial decisions are made. Reliable sources, verifiable facts and transparent working practices strengthen trust in the media.

Download the Manifesto

Download the Manifesto

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