Info session with focus on East-Germany
Media Forward Fund (MFF) will launch its third open funding call on August 11, 2025, as part of its General Funding Line – offering the chance to receive up to 400,000 euros in support. The event will provide information about the fund and the application process, along with two keynote presentations on local journalism in Eastern Germany and the DACH region.
In cooperation with the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), Media Forward Fund (MFF) will host an information event in Leipzig on August 7, 2025. Through our info sessions, we aim to demystify how MFF works and guide applicants through the application process.
To kick off the event, Andreas Lamm, Managing Director of ECPMF, will give a keynote on media and press freedom, with a focus on local journalism in the DACH region.
We are also pleased to welcome Ulrike Teschke, MFF's regional representative for Eastern Germany, who will speak about the challenges faced in this region – an area increasingly impacted by the decline of local media and the emergence of so-called “news deserts.”
Following that, Martin Kotynek, Founding Director of MFF, and Anne M. Jacob, Head of Funding, will provide a detailed introduction to the fund and the upcoming funding call. There will be ample time for your questions about the application process.
Venue & Participation
The event will take place at the Mediencampus Villa Ida in Leipzig. We deliberately chose this location because very few media organizations from Eastern Germany applied in the last funding round. Our goal is to reach as many local media outlets in the region as possible and encourage them to apply.
Admission is only possible with a valid ticket.
As seating is limited, we kindly ask you to let us know in advance if you're unable to attend.
The event will be livestreamed, so you can also follow along comfortably from home.
Questions about the selection and application process can be submitted in advance during registration via the event portal. Of course, there will also be the opportunity to ask questions live during the event.
Preliminary Agenda
12:00 PM – Doors open
12:25 PM – Welcome by Andreas Lamm and Martin Kotynek
12:30 PM – Andreas Lamm: Media and press freedom with a focus on local journalism in the DACH region
12:40 PM – Ulrike Teschke: Challenges in Eastern Germany and the rise of news deserts
12:50 PM – Martin Kotynek & Anne M. Jacob: Media Forward Fund and the upcoming funding call
1:30 PM – Q&A: Your questions about the application process
2:00 PM – Lunch on site