Foreign affairs coverage and what it means for press freedom

The Arab World is going through fundamental upheaval. Dictators are being ousted, autocratic systems toppled. Tunisia and Egypt are showing the first signs of developing democratic structures. Press freedom plays a key role in that. Democracy is inconceivable without it. The events in the Arab World have been top stories in the international media for months.

At this year’s Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum, the German Journalists Association (DJV) – with 38,000 members Europe’s biggest association of journalists – will explore the correlation between foreign affairs reporting and freedom of the press. Why is it imperative for the world press to probe thoroughly into the radical change happening in the Arab World? What can correspondents and the media do to support and strengthen press freedom and democratic values?

Moderation:
Sybille Golte
Head of Asia Programs Deutsche Welle

Panelists:
Andreas K. Bittner
Treasurer German Federation of Journalists DJV, Boardmember European Federation of Journalists

Christoph-Maria Fröhder
Freelance foreign correspondent

Marc Koch
Editor in Chief, DW-RADIO/ONLINE

Rolf-Dieter Krause
Head of the Brussels ARD Studio

Mohamed Yehia
Editor of BBC Arabic Online