Mastering Media’s New Playbook
3 Summits ◆ Deep Dive ◆ Study Tour
Exhibition ◆ Awards ◆ Social Events
The Congress programme is taking shape as we move to finalise a compelling lineup of key topics and influential speakers designed to inspire, inform, and connect you. Check the website for updates.
Two of our head coaches sharing the most inspiring prototype projects and key takeaways from the first 50 teams.
A well-structured ad stack is key to maximising revenue and efficiency. Where do publishers currently stand, and what are the best practices for building a high-performing/reliable setup? This session will explore the essential components of a strong ad tech infrastructure.
Reader donations have become an important new revenue stream for independent journalism. Yet, most news organisations struggle to effectively harness its full potential, often relying on generic messaging, seasonal campaigns and simple crowdfunding tools that fail to maximise engagement. Join us as we explore how forward-thinking media outlets and independent journalists are innovating in the donation space—turning reader support into a sustainable, meaningful revenue source that powers their editorial vision.
This session is supported by Taktak, a new donation solution by journalists for journalists.
LLMs demystified in an easily understandable way with David Caswell, former Executive Product Manager of BBC News Labs.
Brands are becoming increasingly wary of where their ads appear, with concerns over ad fraud, fake news sites, and brand safety leading some advertisers to avoid news altogether. How can the industry rebuild trust and prove the value of premium, high-quality publishing environments?
AI-powered platforms are transforming the advertising landscape, creating new competitive pressures for publishers and even giants like Google. How are these advancements challenging traditional models, and what does this mean for publishers’ revenue streams?
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) joins forces with WAN-IFRA, three major European news agencies (AFP, APA, and dpa), and 37 other organisations to conceive and build a trusted European media data space.
The EU AI Act is the European Union’s proposed regulation for artificial intelligence, designed to establish a legal framework that ensures AI is safe, transparent, and respectful of fundamental rights. As the world’s first comprehensive AI law, it takes a risk-based approach, regulating AI systems based on their potential impact on individuals and society.
But what does this mean for news publishers? WAN-IFRA expert panelist Gregor Waller will break down the implications, risks, and opportunities.
For years, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) has been a key focus for news media. But is SEO now making way for AEO—Answer Engine Optimisation—where AI takes centre stage? And what about micro-personalisation? Unlike standard personalisation, micro-personalisation analyses individual user preferences and behaviours to deliver highly tailored experiences. AI makes this level of customisation possible.
Michael Brunt and Alan Hunter, founders of HBM Advisory and the minds behind tomorrowspublisher.today in the UK, will present an overview of new practical solutions for newsrooms.
Editors face new challenges in ensuring reliable information reaches audiences. This session will explore how editors are adapting to technological shifts, employing new reporting methods, content moderation, digital literacy initiatives, and engagement strategies to combat disinformation and provide trustworthy news. Experts will share best practices for navigating these changes while protecting public trust.
A synthetic audience is a digital twin of a real audience. This AI-generated representation enables news organisations to test editorial products, marketing strategies, and advertising in a risk-free yet realistic environment. Synthetic audiences can be created and deployed quickly, allowing for rapid testing and iteration without directly involving real consumers. Kaveh Waddell, an AI journalist and co-founder of Verso in San Francisco, will present this new scenario.
Details coming soon.
A discussion of the leading challenges to free and independent media worldwide.
Moderator: Joel Simon, Director, Journalism Protection Initiative, Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, CUNY, USA
What is driving strategy in different regions of the world? What is keeping CEOs awake at night? What opportunities do they see for growth? These questions and more will be addressed in an “Around the World” panel discussion.
Choosing the right business model, whether it is based on consumer revenue or advertising, both or a larger mix of revenue streams, depends so much on market behaviour/dynamics, but often comes down to execution. The news organisations featured in this session will share how they are building successful, sustainable business models, and the choices they made a long the way.
What legacy practices do we need to change in the way we are organised and do our journalism to stay relevant and earn trust? A radical reimagining of journalism, newsrooms and people is underway.. Ideas to consider when evolving your newsroom.
Is it time to reinvest in video and audio formats? From podcasts and streaming platforms to TV and new video strategies, this session examines the evolving potential of these mediums. With emerging AI tools drastically reducing production costs, is now the perfect time to expand into these formats? Learn how to capitalise on these technologies while driving audience engagement and revenue growth.
Gen Z is rewriting the rules of media engagement, rejecting condescension and demanding authenticity. This session examines how media organisations can foster genuine connections by embracing transparency, collaboration, and relevance.
We have seen a few publishers take the decision to go fully digital like The Independent did in 2016. Now the UK publisher has quickly established itself as one of the top news site destinations in the US. Other publishers are focusing heavily on that elusive “other revenue” stream to create a more sustainable business future.
Journalism’s fundamental relationships with the public and platforms are being transformed as AI and shifting power dynamics challenge legacy models. Some newsrooms are going back to basics, serving and building genuine communities directly through their journalism. This session confronts the need to listen and engage, not broadcast to; reimagine journalism as a collaborative, community-driven practice; challenge ideological approaches that alienate rather than connect; and ground stories in lived experiences.
In an era of economic uncertainty, how do you craft a pricing strategy that balances customer value with sustainable revenue? Join our speakers as we explore the art and science of pricing, from tiered models to perceived value and psychological pricing.
Details coming soon.
Journalism has faced disruption before, but are we now at a true inflection point? Political hostility, misinformation, and shifting power dynamics are challenging both the press and democracy itself. Simply asking for trust is not enough—newsrooms must demonstrate their value in new ways. With generative AI reshaping how news is discovered and consumed, how should journalism assert its authority? Does trust come from radical transparency and audience engagement, or from doubling down on rigorous, evidence-based reporting? What practical steps can news organizations take to reinforce credibility, maintain visibility, and sustain their business? This session brings together leading editorial and business voices to explore how journalism can remain essential in a rapidly evolving information landscape.
A state-of-AI snapshot that provides clarity on both technological evolution and strategic options.
In this keynote, Ezra will explore the rapidly evolving AI landscape through multiple lenses, covering cutting-edge technological developments, practical implementations in news media, and their broader strategic implications. As AI reshapes every aspect of the publishing value chain, from content creation to audience engagement and monetisation, this presentation offers both clarity and perspective for publishers navigating their options in this fast-moving environment.
Following Ezra’s keynote, three renowned speakers will share their AI roadmaps: Catherine So, CEO of the South China Morning Post; Juan Carlos Lopez Calvet, Director of Data & AI at Schibsted; and Jessica Davis, VP of News and Automation at Gannett. A dynamic panel discussion will follow, where these industry leaders will delve deeper into the practical realities of AI implementation in news organisations.
How are The New York Times and Reuters using AI to support their journalism and what Newsroom Robots should be on your radar? AI experts including Zach Seward and Nikita Roy will share the latest use cases and tools.
This session will feature news organisations that are zagging when others are (typically) zigging. And they are onto something, in terms of bottomline success, content strategy, and product – all that other publishers can glean from.
What makes a reader return to a website again and again? Beyond great content, interactive experiences and meaningful conversations play a crucial role in fostering loyalty. This session dives into how publishers can use games—quizzes, crosswords, and even Wordle-style challenges—alongside commenting features to create a more dynamic, engaging space for their audience. We’ll explore how these tools enhance the reader experience, encourage participation, and ultimately drive retention.
Crises that test newsrooms unity, resilience, and core purpose are increasingly common. This session brings together editors who have successfully navigated turbulent events, offering hard-earned wisdom and practical advice for leading under pressure. Learn how to protect your team’s integrity, maintain journalistic standards, and support mental well-being when stakes are high and challenges seem overwhelming.
AI is changing search—driving answers but not traffic. How can media stay visible? Discover key strategies with top SEO specialists and LLMs experts.
There has never been a more challenging time for news organisations and especially top management to navigate the myriad of issues and guide their companies to a sustainable future. What are the absolute keys to communicate your strategy and direction? What sort of culture makes sense for your organisation? Join this session to uncover actionable insights that can inspire lasting transformation.
How you can join a global campaign to show your journalism matters.
Yulia will outline the strategic benefits of cross-industry collaboration, demonstrating how magazines and newspapers can leverage collective strengths to accelerate innovation and strengthen market resilience.
Juan Senor and his Innovation in Media team showcase the annual WAN-IFRA Report, diving into the numerous trends and innovations that are impacting publishing strategies all over the world. This year’s edition explores AI-powered business models, newsroom transformations, the future of live news and social media strategies. The report highlights the top AI tools driving automation in text, audio, and video, alongside best practices for live reporting and fact-checking disinformation. With growing anxiety around declining search traffic and dependence on increasingly unstable social platforms, we examine how publishers can build resilience through alternative strategies.
Two other news organisations will also share their recent innovations.
Directly after the Congress ends on 6 May, take the opportunity to dive deeper on Business Transformation topics during this 3-day Study Tour and visit the top publishing houses in London. Expand on your Congress takeaways and discuss with decision-makers their blueprints on targeting young readers, product enhancement strategies, monetising audiences & more. By combining the Congress and the Study Tour, you will fully optimise your educative experience with 6 jam-packed days of conferencing and publisher visits.
