Free Media — A prerequisite for stability and security

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New wars and conflicts, the growing number of autocrats and dictators worldwide, great powers fighting for spheres of influence: we live in a time of multiple crises. How can media help overcome these crises? And what role does media development play?

Carsten von Nahmen: A decisive one. Only informed societies can overcome crises and conflicts, fight poverty and hunger, deal with the consequences of climate change and create equal opportunities for all. Independent media hold the powerful accountable. Media also make a decisive contribution to countering the ubiquitous disinformation and manipulation of public opinion online. 

In this context, our projects have a preventative effect: if citizens have access to reliable information and can distinguish fact from fiction, they can make responsible decisions. If they can express their opinions freely, an open social discourse develops and can include possible solutions.

However, the media are currently under great pressure in many places. State repression, censorship and threats, lack of financing options, competition from digital platforms and an increasing loss of trust. Support is declining.

Carsten von Nahmen: Unfortunately, that's  all true. The United States, until now the most powerful voice of freedom in the world, has left its post. The abrupt halt to US development aid under President Donald Trump has had a dramatic impact on international media development. In many places, this means the end of free media and thus also the end of journalism as we know it. And other Western donors have also reduced their support. Dictatorships such as in Russia and China, on the other hand, are investing massively in the global struggle for narratives and interpretive sovereignty.

What is the solution?

Carsten von Nahmen: Western democracies must decide whether they really want to leave the field to the autocrats and despots of this world. In my view, that would be a big mistake, because free media are a prerequisite for stability and security. A strong, pluralistic media landscape and efficient, independent journalism are key to overcoming the multiple crises of our time.  

On the other hand, media companies and media professionals are called upon to break new ground. We support them in developing sustainable business models and new forms of reporting. The current crisis also represents an opportunity – if the media succeed in redefining their role, responsibility and way of working and thus convince their audiences.

What does this look like in concrete terms in your work?

Natascha Schwanke: Together with local partner organizations, we are committed to free media and unhindered access to information worldwide: We train Ukrainian journalists in the embattled east and south of their country, support fact-checking initiatives in the Sahel and the establishment of a pluralistic media system in Syria, we cooperate with community radio stations in rural Latin America – to name just a few examples. 

What challenges do you see for the future?

Natascha Schwanke: We see how important it is to forge new, global alliances in media development. We want to further strengthen South-South cooperation. Our regional structure is a big plus: We are where we are needed, we work closely with local partners, we contribute expertise, we listen carefully when it comes to the specific needs on site.   

Another important task of the future is to accompany the introduction of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, critically but constructively. We support media around the world in taking advantage of the opportunities offered by AI. We continue to train media users to navigate digital platforms safely and to critically question content. We are also committed to strengthening the bargaining power of the media vis-à-vis Big Tech companies and to effectively regulating these companies without curtailing freedom of the media and freedom of expression. Our think tank DW Freedom provides important impetus for this.

Another important task is to assist in the introduction of new technologies — such as artificial intelligence — with an approach that is both critical and constructive. We will step up our efforts in training media users to navigate digital platforms safely, while critically scrutinizing content. We are also committed to strengthening the negotiating power of the media vis-à-vis big tech companies in effectively regulating these companies — without curtailing freedom of the media and freedom of expression.

Carsten von Nahmen

Carsten von Nahmen became Managing Director of DW Akademie in September 2018. He previously reported from the U.S. as DW’s senior correspondent, and from 2014 to 2017 was head of DW’s News and Current Affairs department and deputy editor-in-chief. Von Nahmen has been active with DW Akademie for many years, including as head of its Middle East/North Africa, Europe/Central Asia and Africa departments. 

Natascha Schwanke

Natascha Schwanke became Director of Media Development and Deputy Head of DW Akademie in March 2019 after heading the Africa department for several years. Prior to this, she worked for DW Akademie as a trainer, consultant and project manager. Schwanke is a trained journalist and has worked for leading radio and television stations.