Democracy Talk: Democracy needs citizens. But it also needs facts.

A debate evening on the future of media and democracy 

As authoritarian leaders gain influence worldwide, democratic societies are grappling with growing mistrust, polarisation and disinformation. At the same time, traditional news media have found themselves in a perfect storm. Major technology platforms are increasingly controlling public attention, dominating the advertising market and shaping the flow of information, while journalism in the public interest comes under pressure. 

Yet new responses are also emerging. Across the world, cities, civil society organisations and citizens are experimenting with new forms of participation. Independent media are seeking new ways to fund journalism and strengthen communities. 

Can democracy reinvent itself? What role do citizens, civil society and the media play in that search? Can traditional media companies hold their ground against Big Tech and AI? And how do we rebuild a public space in which facts, debate and pluralism are central? 

The question of whether media can still organise public debate is a pressing one. According to a dozen renowned economists who already alerted the United Nations last year, this is no longer the case today. 

These questions and insights will be at the heart of an evening dedicated to democratic renewal and the future of independent media. 

David Van Reybrouck, writer and historian, is the driving force behind G1000, a platform for democratic innovation. He has long been struck by the fact that all areas of society have been profoundly renewed over the past centuries—except democracy. In his view, it still operates as it did in the nineteenth century, and has therefore lost some of its effectiveness. He will present his vision in an interview. 

The second part of the evening will be introduced by Jeff Jarvis, one of the most original media commentators of his time. The American journalist and consultant has long predicted the end of mass media and is highly critical of the major technology companies that are undermining democracy. 

His insights will feed into a debate with Rosie Parkyn, CEO of the foundation that publishes The Guardian, Thomas Leysen, Chair of Mediahuis, and Erik Roddenhof, CEO of DPG Media. The two largest newspaper publishers in the Low Countries will thus be represented. 

The Democracy Forward inspiration festival is the annual gathering organised by the National Lottery Fund for Democracy, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation and in partnership with Bozar, BELvue and the City of Brussels, where projects, ideas and stakeholders come together to showcase and discuss how we can make our democracy stronger and more resilient. 

More information: www.fondsdemocratie.be