Hamburg to host first "Week of Press Freedom"

"Democracy is inconceivable without free journalistic reporting. As advocates of social discourse, journalists guarantee that information and orientation are possible," said Dr Carsten Brosda, Senator for Culture and Media. Free media are a thorn in the side of autocrats in particular, but freedom of the press is also coming under increasing pressure in Germany, he said. Dr. Lothar Dittmer, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Körber Foundation, said: "We see 'Press Freedom Week', which we initiated with the Zeit Foundation, as a means of pointing out the special value of press freedom for a free democracy and open society." Manuel J. Hartung, Chairman of the Board of the Zeit-Stiftung, added: "Democracy needs freedom of the press. Pluralistic opinion-forming - the basis of public debate -  is only possible based on free reporting."

The expected delegates include Turkish journalist Can Dündar and Xifan Yang, the former correspondent of Die Zeit in China. Exiled journalists including independent reporters from Ukraine, Russia, Afghanistan and Iran will highlight conditions for free media in crisis-ridden countries.  Events begin with a live broadcast by NDR and the "NDR Info News Fair" with workshops and talks. Other highlights include Germany's "Exile Media Forum" conference", the presentation of the "Free Media Awards" for independent journalists from Eastern Europe, and the opening of the World Press Photo Award exhibition in the Altonaer Museum. A reception will be held in the senate followed by a panel discussion among journalists in exile in City Hall. The public can attend events such as the interactive "House of Commons Debate" or a Reporters Slam backed by the Rudolf Augstein Foundation. More information can be found on the website.

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