Strengthening democracy: Ströer supports the “Hamburg Week of Press Freedom” campaign week

Action week on freedom of the press and information from October 13 to 18.

Freedom of the press is indispensable for our democracy. It is a cornerstone of liberal societies and essential for pluralism of opinion and decision-making, for transparency and control of power. However, in many places around the world, including in Europe and Germany, freedom of the press is increasingly under threat. Disinformation and targeted influence are making the work of many media professionals more difficult. Journalists are increasingly experiencing attacks and intimidation, especially in the context of election coverage. According to the Barometer for Press Freedom 2024 by Reporters Without Borders, more than 550 media professionals worldwide are currently in prison because of their work; more than 40 have even lost their lives.

To draw attention to the value of press freedom and free media reporting, the Körber Foundation and the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS are once again organizing Hamburg Press Freedom Week this year. The campaign week is supported by a broad alliance of more than 30 partners from the media, NGOs, foundations, associations and politics - such as Ströer, Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR Info) and the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. Together, they are raising awareness in Hamburg's urban society - and beyond - of the importance of free reporting and freedom of opinion for our democracy.

Ströer informs citizens via its digital media in public spaces and makes a wide range of voices that advocate neutral and trustworthy reporting visible throughout the city.

Lothar Dittmer, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Körber Foundation: “Freedom of the press is essential for democracy. It protects the right to information and criticism, separates facts from misinformation and is indispensable for making political decisions transparent. In times when attacks on the media are on the rise, it is more than just journalistic freedom that is at stake - the very foundations of democratic societies are under threat. We know from our work to strengthen exile journalism: Without free media, the truth remains in the dark and democracy loses strength and credibility.”

Manuel J. Hartung, Chairman of the Executive Board of the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS: “Democracy needs freedom of the press. Because only on the basis of independent reporting can pluralistic opinions be formed - the basis for public discourse. We must all stand up for independent reporting and free media. Especially in these challenging times, it is important to courageously and collectively strengthen self-determination and independent reporting from all sides and to create social awareness of misinformation. I am therefore all the more pleased about the broad alliance of 30 strong partners who, together with the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS and the Körber Foundation, will continue to fight for media freedom in 2024. Hamburg Press Freedom Week sends out a strong signal. For values. For the truth. For our democracy.”