A look back at the 2nd edition of the Brussels European Journalism Conference
The 2nd edition of the Brussels European Journalism Conference, organised by IHECS and Journalism & Citizenship, was a resounding success. Nearly 1,500 people—journalists, academics, politicians, institutional representatives, entrepreneurs, civil society representatives, students, Brussels primary school pupils, and the general public—met at the IHECS premises and at Espace Magh.
Participants from 27 EU countries, Africa, and the Middle East were able to take full advantage of a rich programme and several notable events: 120 speakers, 25 panels/workshops; a theatre evening specially created for the occasion; a special Ukraine evening; testimonials and a tribute to journalists from Gaza and Lebanon; an exhibition on editorial cartoons and AI; an international editorial team of students from several schools; production workshops; a "media literacy" programme that welcomed 300 Brussels students; and a live presentation on various web platforms.
Artificial intelligence, its promises, and the concerns it raises were the subject of several debates with leading players in this field. All other dimensions of the journalism profession, its challenges, and its ongoing transitions gave rise to fascinating discussions. It's an understatement to say that journalism is going through a period of turbulence in terms of its social status, its relationship with democratic issues, its practices, its business models, and its relationship with audiences.
It is because the Assises advocate for the need to maintain the quality, credibility, and independence of information in the face of various pressures, the increasing automation of tasks, and the financial crisis facing the sector that IHECS and its partner, Journalism & Citizenship, are leading this project with determination and enthusiasm, in service of the values of journalism.
