The 2024 festival offered around 190 different events from podcast productions to readings to mobile reporting workshops, and also selected ticketed sessions tailored to journalism professionals. More than 300 speakers shared their knowledge over the three days, which featured guests from over 25 different countries.
We really want to highlight all the different media offerings that exist in Germany, from very large media organizations all the way to non-profit outlets. And the positive response of the public shows that this is truly the right way forward.
The 2024 edition saw the b° future festival concept further evolve, with new formats and networks on offer. Highlights included “Eine Stunde Reden” (“One Hour Talking”), which brought together members of the public and journalists to constructively discuss difficult topics in a safe, moderated setting; “Mentoring with Women in Journalism,” one-on-one talk sessions with women journalists for women journalists; the BICOP Salon, a meetup for media professionals of color looking to network and exchange ideas; and the Deep Dive workshops, multi-hour events that allowed participants to explore topics like constructive environmental reporting and democracy-strengthening research in greater depth.
The b° future festival’s inaugural edition took place in 2023 and brings together everyone who is committed to future-oriented journalism that benefits society. Organized by the Bonn Institute, it celebrates journalism that is critical, constructive and geared toward the needs of society in all its diversity. The festival aims to spark dialogue about issues that are essential for the future.
From exploring leadership through a constructive lens to learning from psychological principles on how journalism is created and consumed, the festival offered a fresh perspective on the future of the profession.
The Bonn Institute would like to thank all the speakers, participants, volunteers and visitors who made the 2024 festival such an energetic and rewarding event. A special thank you also goes out to the NRW state government, the Rheinische Post media group, the Federal Agency for Civic Education, and additional sponsors for their support.
A 2025 festival is already in the works. Keep your eyes on the festival website for updates!