WAN-Ifra has announced that will take its 75th World News Media Congress to Copenhagen next year, working with the Danish Media Association.

The congress will take place at the Danish capital’s Tivoli Congress Center, from May 27-29, 2024.

WAN-Ifra chief executive Vincent Peyrègne said it was an honour to organise the 2024 congress with Danske Medier, which embodies its values “as a role model for press freedom and human rights”.

He said Denmark’s vibrant news media industry and deep-seated commitment to freedom of expression provide a roadmap for the global news industry, had been buffeted by seismic shifts in media consumption and the move to digital. “We are confident that the Copenhagen Congress will be a truly memorable experience,” he said.

Danske Medier chief executive Mads Brandstrup was “extremely proud” to host the congress. “With the strong Danish tradition for press freedom, trust in the media and unique media pluralism, we look forward to facilitating the conversation about the future of the media in a digital age.

“We must work to create a strong foundation for the media business worldwide, which is becoming more digital. The most important prerequisite for true independence is economic independence from state and private interests.

“The digital transformation and the battle against tech giants require an intense focus on innovative solutions in user experience, subscription types and advertising, especially with the fast-emerging challenges and possibilities from artificial intelligence which requires comprehensive regulation that guarantees real and fair competition”.

The congress has been the annual meeting of news publishers, editors and owners worldwide since 1948. Last year’s event in Zaragoza drew more than 1,200 media professionals from over 75 countries.

This year’s Taiwan event is from June 28-30. Among 50 speakers from six continents will be Nobel Laureate and Rappler chief executive Maria Ressa, New York Times executive editor Joseph Kahn, Brazilian journalist Patrícia Campos Mello (Folha de S.Paulo), and executive chairman of News Corp Australasia Michael Miller.

Programme elements include the World Media Leaders Summit, World Editors Forum, Golden Pen of Freedom Award, Women in News Summit, and worldwide Digital Media Awards presentation.

More information from Christin Herger, christin.herger@wan-ifra.org. GXpress.net is a media partner.