Understanding the Media Forward Fund: Investigative journalist Bastian Obermayer asks us everything
What does "growth phase" actually mean? Why don’t we just support business as usual? What’s behind the model of the Media Forward Fund, and where is it headed?

On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 12:30 to 1:30 PM, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Bastian Obermayer from Paper Trail Media will speak with our managing director Martin Kotynek and the funding team about the big picture, strategic goals, and critical questions surrounding the Media Forward Fund.
What can you expect?
- An honest look behind the scenes of our funding logic
- Answers to fundamental questions about selection criteria, funding philosophy, and our understanding of media growth
- Reflections on the future of independent media
- Space for your own critical questions
Submit your questions in advance
We’ll select especially relevant and fundamental ones and bring them directly into the discussion.
Who is this for?
For anyone interested in independent media funding: potential applicants, media founders, journalists, project creators, and anyone who wants to better understand the idea and practice behind the Fund.
Register, listen in, and ask what truly matters to you.
Note: this event will be held in German - you can, however, also ask your questions in English.