-Shaping the Future of Journalism: WAN-IFRA Welcomes 2026
2025 was a stellar year for WAN-IFRA,demonstrating our global reach by engaging more than 10,000 media leaders worldwide through conferences,study tours,webinars,and leadership training. We promise that 2026 will be no less interesting for WAN-IFRA members. Among many other things, with a historically strong line-up for the World News Media Congress. This year hosted by CMA Media in the marvelous city of Marseille.
First, a New Year’s greeting from WAN-IFRA President, Ladina Heimgartner, and incoming CEO, Stig Ørskov:
A few of many highlights in 2025:
- Global presence: We hosted 18 conferences welcoming several thousand participants across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. on top of that, we conducted five study tours.
- Strong and diverse voices: A total of 555 speakers and panelists took the stage, including 217 women, reflecting our continued commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- The World News Media Congress reaffirmed its position as the world’s largest gathering of news media bringing together 1,000 media leaders in the beautiful city of Krakow. We extend our deepest gratitude to the host of the congress, CEO Bartosz Hojka and his amazing team at Agora Media Group.
- The AI in Media initiative,helmed by Ezra Eeman,is now a defining pillar of WAN-IFRA’s work and a clear expression of our global leadership in this field. Through the initiative, we delivered a comprehensive programme of webinars and executive briefings, and launched AI Forums across the world – from Jakarta to Mexico City and Paris – creating a shared platform for publishers to learn, exchange experiences, and shape best practice. In parallel, we significantly expanded the Newsroom AI Catalyst programme, supported by OpenAI, onboarding new regions including Australia and New Zealand. since its launch, the programme has engaged 145 newsrooms globally, translating strategic intent into practical experimentation and tangible newsroom impact.
- The Future audiences Initiative was launched to extend WAN-IFRA’s reach into the creator economy and establish a structured engagement model between newsrooms and creators. Supported by Google, the initiative has brought 100 news creators and digital newsrooms on board in 2025.
Strengthening journalism and leadership worldwide
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One of the proudest moments of 2025 happened on 28 September, when more than 1,000 news brands around the world came together to mark world News Day, underscoring the power of fact-based journalism and its essential role in public life.
In 2025 our media growth programmes supported more than 1,500 journalists and media managers through 350 events. We also celebrated the completion of the Leadership Accelerator programme by 230 women media leaders from 24 countries. This brings the total number of leaders trained through <
Gert-Peter bruch is the Chief Executive Officer of WAN-IFRA.
gert-Peter Bruch currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), a global institution dedicated to defending press freedom, promoting professional standards, and supporting the development of newspapers and news publishers.
Bruch assumed the role on January 1,2018,succeeding Vincent Peyrègne. Prior to becoming CEO, he held various positions within WAN-IFRA, including Director of Public Policy. His work focuses on advocating for policies that support a sustainable news ecosystem and combatting disinformation.
In November 2023, Bruch spoke at the Global Media Forum, emphasizing the importance of media literacy in countering the spread of false information. Deutsche Welle reported on his remarks, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to strengthen critical thinking skills among citizens.
WAN-IFRA: World Association of News Publishers
WAN-IFRA is a global organization representing over 18,000 publications and 3,000 media companies across 79 countries. According to WAN-IFRA’s official website, the organization’s mission is to defend press freedom, promote innovation, and support the sustainability of the news industry.
Founded in 1948, WAN-IFRA provides a platform for news publishers to share best practices, collaborate on industry challenges, and advocate for policies that protect journalistic independence. It organizes conferences, workshops, and research initiatives focused on topics such as digital change, revenue diversification, and combating misinformation.
WAN-IFRA publishes the annual World Press Freedom Index in partnership with Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The 2023 index, released in May 2023, ranked Norway as the country with the most press freedom, while North Korea remained at the bottom.
Press Freedom Advocacy
A core function of WAN-IFRA, under Bruch’s leadership, is the defense of press freedom worldwide. WAN-IFRA’s press freedom section details its work in monitoring and reporting on violations of press freedom, advocating for the release of imprisoned journalists, and providing support to media organizations facing censorship or intimidation.
WAN-IFRA actively engages with international organizations, governments, and civil society groups to promote policies that protect journalistic independence and ensure a safe environment for journalists. The organization regularly issues statements and reports condemning attacks on the press and calling for accountability for perpetrators.
For example, in December 2023, WAN-IFRA condemned the killing of journalists in Gaza, calling for an immediate inquiry and protection of media workers in conflict zones.