Meet the residents: Neue deutsche Medienmacher*innen

What does your organisation do?
As a nonprofit association, we advocate for journalism that reflects our society in all its diversity, accurately, fairly and in a balanced way. This is the only way to build trust in the media. Through our projects, we strengthen a diverse, democratic media landscape, for example by specifically supporting emerging journalists of Color or with a history of immigration.

What has been your biggest success in recent months?
We are proud of the 37 young journalists with a history of immigration whom we have supported over the past months. For example through our mentoring programme in NRW, the Voices of Faith project, through which we helped 15 young journalists get their start in television journalism, and the investigative journalism fellowship in cooperation with Netzwerk Recherche. In total, we have accompanied and supported more than 450 media professionals over the past years.

What are you working on right now?
With our BetterPost project, we support media professionals working in social media teams and community management. Every day, they take responsibility for what is posted in the comment sections. This can be a heavy burden. Because there is a strong need for exchange, we founded the Community Management working group within the toneshift network.

What is the goal?
We want a public space for debate where people treat one another well. Where vulnerable voices are protected and hate speech is contained. That requires clear guidelines for moderation. Community editors also need protection and backing from their media outlet or company. That is why we have developed a community code within the toneshift network. And we hope that many media outlets, organisations and individuals will sign it.

And which problem concerns you most?
The growing far-right movement threatens our democracy and is a matter of intense concern for us at the moment. For years we have observed a shift in public discourse, one for which the media, too, bear responsibility through the normalisation of far-right narratives. We therefore call on media professionals to exercise greater journalistic care, and we provide recommendations for responsible reporting. We also advise journalists who are attacked or threatened because of their work, in meet-ups and workshops.

What comes next?
On 25 September 2026 we are hosting a meet-up for journalists who want to discuss how political reporting should continue after the state elections. It will also address how journalists can protect themselves from defamation campaigns and disinformation from the right.

Where can people follow your work, and how can they support you?
Follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter for insights into our projects. On our website you will find practical knowledge, including a 350-term glossary, guides for sensitive reporting, tips on protecting yourself against online hate, and materials for greater diversity in newsrooms. And of course, we always welcome a donation!

What is giving you a headache right now?
The considerable influence of right-wing and far-right media and platforms funded by billionaires, while numerous nonprofit projects and organisations working against anti-democratic developments find themselves in a precarious financial situation.

Who or what deserves more attention?
The personal stories and perspectives of those affected by right-wing, antisemitic and racist violence are often underrepresented. Instead of focusing on the populist demands of individual politicians, journalists should let those affected speak for themselves.