The two-day plenary of the 2024 edition of the Deutsch Welle (DW) Global Media Forum took place in Germany, with over 1,500 journalists, media scholars, and activists from more than 100 countries in attendance [792bc9eb]. The forum focused on the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in media and the potential risks of AI in a polarized and conflicted world [792bc9eb]. Breakout sessions covered topics such as using AI constructively in the newsroom, quality-assessment and control of AI in journalism, and AI's impact on the Global South [792bc9eb]. The forum also addressed the challenges faced by journalists in covering conflicts and the role of journalism in protecting democracy [792bc9eb]. Discussions highlighted the influence of social media on news consumption, particularly among Gen Z, and emphasized the need for media outlets to expand their presence on platforms like TikTok and Instagram [792bc9eb]. The forum also featured sessions on reporting the environmental crisis, women and minority issues, and sustaining news outlets [792bc9eb]. Attendees stressed the importance of media safety, coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and information security [792bc9eb]. The plenary sessions and workshops provided valuable insights for journalists and media professionals [792bc9eb].
The two-day general assembly of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in Limassol, Cyprus, also discussed the role of public service media in the context of strong polarization and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on communication [0550b651]. The assembly emphasized the need to be updated on technological transformation processes and safeguard the values of information in the face of AI [0550b651]. A report on the credibility of journalism in the time of AI was presented, highlighting the importance of information in telling the facts and stories of people and communities [0550b651]. Privacy and the regulated use of databases were also discussed [0550b651]. José Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission, spoke about the challenges posed by populist political groups in the recent European elections [0550b651]. Delphine Ernotte was confirmed as president of EBU for another two-year term [0550b651]. The next EBU plenary will be held in Lausanne, Switzerland, in December 2024 [0550b651].