Meet the residents: Neue deutsche Medienmacher*innen

What does your organization do? 

Wir sind ein Netzwerk von Medienschaffenden mit und ohne Einwanderungsgeschichte. Wir wollen, dass Journalismus unsere Gesellschaft in ihrer ganzen Vielfalt präzise, fair und ausgewogen abbildet. Nur so entsteht Vertrauen in die Medien. 

What has been your greatest success over the past few months?

We are very proud to have established an alliance of over 500 migrant organisations. Together, we have called for COSMO – the ARD’s only intercultural and multilingual radio station – to continue broadcasting nationwide. The WDR Broadcasting Council has decided to discontinue COSMO from April 2027. Many people who rely on multilingual services would then lose access to reliable information.

What are you working on at the moment? 

Through our BetterPost project, we support media professionals working in social media editorial teams and community management. They are responsible on a daily basis for what is posted in the comments sections. This can be stressful. As there is a great need for dialogue, we have set up the Community Management specialist group within the toneshift network. 

What is the aim?

We want a public forum for debate where people treat one another with respect. Where vulnerable voices are protected and hate speech is curbed. This requires clear guidelines for moderation. Furthermore, community editors need protection and support from their media organisation or company. That is why we at the toneshift network have drawn up a community code of conduct. And we hope that many media organisations, organisations and individuals will sign it.

What’s next?

The next meeting of the Community Management Specialist Group will take place at the #RECLAIM THE DIGITAL conference on October 7th, 2026.

Where can people follow your work – and how can they support you?

You can see the impact of our work on our social media channels. We’d be delighted if you followed us or subscribed to our newsletter. And, of course, we’d be very grateful for any donations!

What’s the main thing worrying you at the moment?

The significant influence of right-wing and far-right media and platforms, which are funded by billionaires, whilst numerous charitable projects and organisations working to combat anti-democratic trends find themselves in a precarious financial situation.

Who or what deserves more attention?

The achievements of many migrant self-help organisations. Their contribution to society, their considerable voluntary work, and the issues and concerns they address are scarcely covered in the media. That should change.