Reporting the Machines – Journalism and the Ethics of AI
Date
Thu, Dec 11, 2025
Start
2:00 PM
End
7:00 PM
Promoter
Publix gGmbH
Speakers
Dr. Annette Zimmermann, Lisa Hegemann, Sidney Fussell, Prof. Dr. Aimee van Wynsberghe, Prof. Dr. Wiebke Loosen, Simon Berlin
Artificial intelligence is transforming our everyday lives, how we work, learn, communicate and make decisions. With the increasing use of AI systems, an urgent question arises: how can AI be used in ways that benefit humans rather than cause harm? And who explains to the public how these technologies work, which values they shape and what power they exert?
The new conference series “Reporting the Machines” brings together journalists, scientists, civil society and policy experts, AI developers and start-up founders. Together, we discuss responsibility in the design and application of AI systems, as well as the role of journalism in highlighting opportunities and risks, revealing power structures and strengthening digital sovereignty.
Supported by the Beauftragter der Bundesregierung für Kultur und Medien, the conference takes place as part of the new Publix Tech-Journalism-Fellowship, in cooperation with 1014 Germany and the MIZ Babelsberg.
Programm
13:30-14:00 Uhr Einlass
14:00-14:10 Uhr Begrüßung – Maria Exner
14:10-14:30 Uhr Keynote – Dr. Annette Zimmermann: The Prompt, The Press, and The Public Square: Keeping Big Tech in Check and Civil Society Strong
14:30-15:15 Uhr Talk – Sidney Fussell und Maria Exner: Reporting the Machines. What It Takes, What It Changes
15:15-15:45 Uhr Coffeebreak
15:45-16:30 Uhr Talk – Prof. Dr. Wiebke Loosen, Simon Berlin: Algorithmic Publics - How AI shapes public discourse (auf Deutsch)
16:30 - 17:30 Uhr Best Practices –HelloBetter, The Pearl, Tactical Tech
17:30-18:00 Uhr Soup und Evening Admission
18:00 - 19:00 Uhr Talk – Prof. Dr. Aimee van Wynsberghe & Lisa Hegemann: Can machines care? The Ethics of Human-Machine Interaction.
Speakers:
Dr. Annette Zimmermann (University of Wisconsin Madison)
Lisa Hegemann (Head of Digital, DIE ZEIT)
Prof. Dr. Wiebke Loosen (Universität Hamburg)
Prof. Dr. Aimee van Wynsberghe (University of Bonn)
Sidney Fussell (Filmmaker/Investigative Journalist)
Simon Berlin (Author, Süddeutsche Zeitung und Social Media Watchblog)
From Practice:
HelloBetter (digital health company)
The Pearl (interdisciplinary AI art collective)
Tactical Tech (creative NGO fostering critical engagement with technology)
The conference is currently fully booked. However, you are welcome to add your name to the waiting list: registration
Speakers
Dr. Annette Zimmermann
Assistant Professor of Philosophy and an Affiliate Professor of Statistics | University of Wisconsin-Madison
Lisa Hegemann
Ressortleiterin Digital | DIE ZEIT
Sidney Fussell
Filmmaker, Investigative Journalist
Prof. Dr. Aimee van Wynsberghe
Alexander von Humboldt Professor for Applied Ethics of Artificial Intelligence | University of Bonn
Prof. Dr. Wiebke Loosen
Senior Researcher | Leibniz-Institut für Medienforschung / Hans-Bredow-Institut
Simon Berlin
Author | Süddeutsche Zeitung und Social Media Watchblog
In Cooperation with:
Supported by:
