A new Indo-German media exchange titled “Journalism Connect: Rewiring Trust in Media” was formally launched on June 24, 2025, in New Delhi, bringing together twelve young journalists from India and Germany. The five-month program aims to address the global erosion of public trust in journalism by fostering cross-cultural collaboration, ethical reporting practices, and innovation in newsroom engagement.
Cross-Border Dialogue on Media Ethics and Trust
The initiative is a collaboration between Germany’s Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan, Deutsche Welle, pan-Asian newsroom Asian Dispatch, and strategic consultancy Seraphim Strategic Communications. Six journalists from each country will engage in virtual and in-person sessions, tackling critical themes such as media credibility, misinformation, and the role of artificial intelligence in journalism.
Through hands-on workshops, discussions with senior editors, and immersive visits to media houses in both countries, the participants will jointly explore how political, historical, and social contexts influence public perception of the media in India and Germany.
Key Themes of the Exchange
The program focuses on four core areas central to media credibility and evolution:
Public Trust in Media: Examining how societal dynamics impact confidence in news institutions across the two democracies.
Ethical Journalism: Addressing challenges in reporting sensitive issues while maintaining journalistic integrity.
AI and Emerging Technologies: Discussing the implications of digital tools in content creation and the risks of automation.
Disinformation: Understanding the mechanics and impact of false narratives and the role of journalists in countering them.
A Platform for New Voices and Joint Solutions
Commenting on the program’s significance, Anja Riedeberger, Director of Information Services South Asia at the Goethe-Institut, said the fellowship offers a crucial platform for young journalists to exchange perspectives and craft actionable strategies to tackle declining media trust. “Trust is the entry point for rethinking how information and journalism are approached,” she noted.
Preeksha Malhotra, Programme Manager at Asian Dispatch, emphasized the rising threat of misinformation to democracies. “The role of trained, ethical journalists has never been more vital,” she said, highlighting how collaborative programs like this help equip the next generation with the tools to uphold journalistic standards.
Looking Ahead: Knowledge Handbook for Media Professionals
The program will culminate in the co-creation of a Knowledge Sharing Handbook, a resource of best practices, newsroom strategies, and educational material for journalism students and professionals alike. The group is scheduled to meet in India in October 2025 and reconvene in Germany in May 2026.
This handbook is expected to offer concrete solutions on restoring faith in traditional media, ethical use of AI in newsrooms, and countering disinformation, making it a unique outcome of this intercultural partnership.
About the Partner Institutions
Asian Dispatch: A pan-Asian collaborative network of 18 award-winning newsrooms from 10 countries, committed to empowering Asian journalism beyond stereotypes through cross-border storytelling.
Deutsche Welle: Germany’s international broadcaster offering impartial, multilingual content that promotes liberal democratic values and intercultural dialogue.
Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan: The official cultural institute of the German government in India, supporting cultural exchange and German language promotion through a network of centres across the country.
Seraphim Strategic Communications: A public affairs and media relations firm founded in 2018, offering strategic communication solutions for regulated businesses in India and globally.
As global democracies confront the twin crises of media distrust and disinformation, this Indo-German journalist exchange signals a collaborative step forward. By connecting emerging media professionals across borders, Journalism Connect aims to spark meaningful change in how journalism is practiced, taught, and trusted.
