How is reliable information created? Who shapes public discourse, and how? In this event, journalists and academics will provide insight into the different communication logics and self-perceptions of analogue and digital media. The HBI is organising the event with the DJV Nord and Bücherhallen Hamburg as part of Hamburg Press Freedom Week. This initiative is led by the Körber Foundation and the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS.
The event “Journalismus, Influencing, Lügen: Spielregeln der (Des-)Information” [Journalism, Influencing, Lies: The Rules of (Dis)Information] will be held in German.
On the Podium
Anna von Garmissen is a researcher at the Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans-Bredow-Institut (HBI). She is working on the project, “Journalism under Duress: Risk and Uncertainty in a Changing Mediascape“, which is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). In collaboration with various universities and research institutions, the study examines the risks and uncertainties that journalists face in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and around the world. The DFG project forms part of the international study series, ‘Worlds of Journalism’.
Jan Rau works at the Leibniz Institute for Media Research │Hans-Bredow-Institut (HBI) for the Social Media Observatory of the Research Institute Social Cohesion. His research focuses on the question of how the internet shapes and changes media publicity. Among other things, he focuses on digital echo chambers and counter-publics, as well as the manipulation of public opinion on the internet, and right-wing movements online.
André Schünke is a journalist and presenter for NDR2, tagesschau, tagesschau24 and NDR Info. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in digital journalism, and he is a strong advocate for media education, especially in the context of fake news and AI-generated content.
Rieke Smit works in the social media editorial department at tagesschau, where she develops innovative formats for digitally native target groups. As a journalist, she specialises in news consumption and news literacy among Gen Z, and has worked on projects such as #UseTheNews (Social News Daily)
Moderator: Stefan Endter, Managing Director of DJV Nord
Hamburg Press Freedom Week
Hamburg Press Freedom Week will take place from 2 to 8 November 2025. The focus this year is on initiatives that promote news and media literacy. This is because misinformation, manipulated content and AI-generated images are making the work of many media professionals more challenging. Citizens are also finding it increasingly difficult to distinguish reputable news from fake news and deliberate disinformation. A functioning democracy requires well-informed citizens. How can you recognise manipulated videos or photos? How can you trace sources and distinguish verified information and objective facts from propaganda? What impact does this have on democracy?
The action week, now in its third year, is organised by the Körber Foundation and ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS and will provide answers to these questions. More than 40 partners are participating in the event, offering a wide-ranging programme of free activities for all ages at various locations throughout the Hamburg metropolitan area.
The HBI has been a network partner of Hamburg Press Freedom Week since 2025 and is involved in several events.
