Tim Weber
Freedom of the press and opinion are the fundamental prerequisites for a functioning democracy. However, freedom of the press does not exist in many countries around the world. Governments curtail the media by censuring media houses, invalidating legal frameworks or exerting pressure on journalists. An increasing economic concentration in the media sector undermines diversity and the dependence on a few advertising customers’ leads to inappropriate concessions. For many journalists, self-censorship has long been part of everyday life. Violations against civil rights invariably result in no freedom of the media; what is more, a democratic system can neither develop nor survive under such conditions.
Those wanting to promote democracy also need to promote the emergence of independent and free media. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung has been advocating for this for over 40 years. What started as individual projects in the 1970s has developed into a comprehensive programme in which experts implement a plethora of projects.
The Offices of our Media Programme at a glance
Across offices in Johannesburg, Singapore and Sofia, in its respective region the media programme supports the media with accepting its political responsibility and with contributing towards the development of democracy and strengthening statutory framework conditions. This enables the emergence of an independent media landscape as well as establishing a basis for the free formation of opinions in politics and society.
Media Programme Asia
The media programme in Asia was founded in 1996. The aim of the programme is to link media and politics. It picks up on media trends from the region and disseminates them through publications and events. It also promotes the training of political journalists for a free, ethical and responsible press.
Media Programme South East Europe
The Media Programme South East Europe has been in existence since 2005. The aim of the programme is to strengthen the role of the media in the process of democratisation and transformation - through further training, advice, dialogue and network building. However, this goal can only be achieved if all relevant actors for the development of free and independent media are involved. These are the journalists, but also the media entrepreneurs, politics, civil society organisations and academia.
Media Programme Sub-Saharan Africa
The Media Programme Sub-Saharan Africa has been in existence since 2002. The aim of the programme is to strengthen democracy with a special focus on free and independent media. Therefore, the Johannesburg office is committed to a diverse media landscape in the region, the watchdog function of journalism and value-oriented political communication. The topic of digitalisation is particularly important to the contributors.
The Media Programme promotes
- Independent journalists who play the role of “watch dog”
- A free and independent media landscape
- A professional and value-focused political communication between citizens and politicians
In order to achieve these goals, the media programme works with local partners such as journalists associations, training institutions, press councils, media owners, parties, media houses or NGOs. Hence, we do not pursue a purely technical approach but rather one that is political and based on dialogue and common values. That is also reflected in the formats used by the programme. In all three regions including Germany, media professionals come together at national and international conferences. Furthermore, journalists and press officers receive further training at seminars, workshops or study programmes. The media programme also conducts surveys and studies and regularly publishes publications on topics such as investigative journalism, media law, political opinion surveys or the influence of the internet and social media on journalism.
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Latin America cultivates professional political communication with the regional project Promotion of Political Parties and Democracy in Latin America.
Forum Media and Development
The Foundation complements its international activities in the field of media promotion with measures in Germany. This includes, among other things, participation in the scientific discourse on politics and media that has been taking place for years via the Forum Media and Development, a network that unites organisations and actors from the field of media development cooperation in German-speaking countries. More information can be found on the website of the Forum Media and Development.
Publications to the topic
Behind the Screen
How Successful Multi-Platform Journalist Jacque Manabat Uses TikTok to Reach a New Audience
Exploring the Security Landscape of Telegram: Insights and Concerns
by Dr. Nikola Tulechki, Martin Stamenov
“AI could be a game changer for strengthening Europe’s security” says Bulgarian MEP Eva Maydell
by Martina Kazakova
“We should train the EU citizens to develop a sensitivity towards disinformation”
says German MEP Michael Gahler
Russian Disinformation & the 2024 European Elections: Understanding Strategies, Actors and Messages
by Christopher Nehring
“Political indifference can be very costly” says Director of KAS European Office
by Martina Kazakova
ARD Tagesschau, MPKAS
"The Russian propaganda is destructive. The goal is the destruction of the liberal societies."
