Editorial

These are challenging times for all of us. A global pandemic is truly living up to its name and has an immediate impact on all aspects of our lives as individuals as well as on our societies. The first global lockdown in human memory will have long-term effects for everyone on our planet.

The media play an important role in this unprecedented situation. Journalists are informing the public despite the personal risk that they are facing in some countries. Autocratic regimes have responded by intimidating and arresting journalists. There is evidence of journalists simply disappearing. DW has dedicated its Freedom of Speech Award to all those intrepid colleagues this year.

In this issue you will read about the loss of freedom of expression, the loss of democracy and of values. But you will also read about determined minds who are standing up to the challenges of disinformation and autocratic infringement. The technological revolution is enabling people from every corner of the earth to join a powerful discussion beyond controlled media and make their voices heard.

Freedom of the press is vital for the sustainable development of societies. A well-informed public can make a difference. Against racism, repression and hate speech. We must take these threats for what they are. Nothing less than our values are at stake. Populism is driving a wedge into our social infrastructures, challenging basic human rights. Even in recognized democracies we are witness to the erosion of civil liberties and respect for the law.

A well-informed public can make a difference. Against racism, repression and hate speech.

With its global coverage, DW contributes to an open dialogue, the multiperspectivity of opinions and a free flow of information. Our DW Akademie is fostering media and information literacy, thus enabling people around the world to better discern propaganda.

And while, as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, DW was not able to host the annual Global Media Forum in Bonn as scheduled, the digital GMF 2020 will offer networking opportunities to all friends and followers. We are creating a platform for interactions and exchanges within our global conference community on this year’s topic “pluralism, populism and journalism.” As ever, we will not rest to drive the agenda in these turbulent times.

Allow me to invite all of you to participate in these digital discussions. I am looking forward to welcoming you again in person at next year’s GMF.

Keep well. Cordially,

Peter Limbourg

Director General

@dw_Limbourg