http://www.dw.de/diversity-and-responsibility/a-16888268
The Global Media Forum is a place where academics and politicians meet and exchange views with business people and journalists. They come from all the corners of the Earth, bringing with them experiences from their own countries and areas of expertise - and are eager to network and make connections.
In the dozens of workshops they are discussing their role as journalists in a world that is rocked by economic, financial and environmental crisis. Even before the conference program officially begins, many participants are already standing in little groups and are deep in conversation.
The journalist's role is a difficult one. On the one hand, they are supposed to enlighten the public and make them aware of important issues. On the other, they are supposed to highlight abuses and injustices, and call the perpetrators to account. Germany's development organization GIZ is also a regular guest at the forum
In politically unstable or economically disadvantaged regions, their work can be hugely important. This was one topic of discussion at the GMF, for example in the workshop "Why it is important to keep small newspapers, radio and television stations in rural areas." Several workshops also addressed the links between economic and journalistic interests.
The Mayor of Bonn, Jürgen Nimptsch, announced that he was delighted that the GMF was increasingly having an effect, saying he had noticed that topics of discussion at the conference often resurfaced at, for example, the United Nations. "It also has a very special dynamic," he added, "when you think that what we discuss here then goes out all across the world, because of all our participants."
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