World News Media Congress Playbook: A Strategic Guide for Success

Ukrainian Journalists Honored with Golden Pen of Freedom, Emphasizing Resilience and the “Why” of News

Krakow – Amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, media professionals from the nation were recognized with the prestigious Golden Pen of Freedom award, a testament to their unwavering commitment to truth and the vital role of independent journalism. Oleksii Pogorelov, President of the Ukraine Media Business Association (UMBA), accepted the award on behalf of his colleagues, highlighting the immense courage and dedication required to report under duress.

“We don’t write because we are brave. We write because silence is not an option,” stated Brovko, a representative of the honored journalists. He underscored that “independent journalism is not a luxury – it is the infrastructure of freedom. in Ukraine,we are keeping it alive under fire.” The award, he emphasized, is not merely a celebration but a solemn responsibility “to keep speaking, especially when silence is safer.”

The sentiment of purpose and inspiration resonated throughout thecongress, an event widely acknowledged as a true reflection of the news media industry’s current landscape. Attendees were reminded of the essential reasons driving their work, even as the industry grapples with important challenges.

Christian Broughton, CEO of The Independent, shared an anecdote about a “threats board” at another conference, contrasting it with his own inquiry about an “opportunities board.” He observed, “I think sometiems our industry can be really kind of mistake-focused. And you know what happens if you keep staring at the threat or the mistake? You’re going to go straight towards it.” This viewpoint highlights a potential pitfall of focusing solely on challenges.Echoing this sentiment, lisa macleod of FT Strategies noted that many industry decisions are “driven by fear, not because of excitement, not because of optimism, but absolute fear.” She urged a broader view, stating, “The biggest problem in your life is not a robot writing a headline for you. You’ve got many bigger problems to deal with. That is a tiny proportion of what’s coming down the road. It’s a tiny proportion of the opportunities that await you.” MacLeod’s remarks emphasized that while technological advancements like AI-generated headlines are discussed, they represent a minor concern compared to the larger, emerging opportunities within the industry.

The insights shared at the congress, many of which are detailed in a comprehensive report, offer valuable guidance for news professionals navigating these complex times. The event concluded with anticipation for next year’s Congress in Marseilles, a gathering that promises further discussion and collaboration within the global news media community.

WAN-IFRA members can access the full report on the Knowledge Hub.

How can a defined objective for WNMC attendance impact networking strategies?

Understanding the World News Media Congress Landscape

The World News Media Congress (WNMC) is a pivotal event for news publishers, broadcasting companies, and digital media organizations globally. It’s a concentrated prospect for networking, learning about industry trends, and forging partnerships. Success at WNMC isn’t accidental; it requires a strategic playbook. this guide focuses on maximizing your return on investment (ROI) from attending and participating. Key areas to consider include media innovation, digital conversion, news revenue, and audience engagement.

Pre-Congress Preparation: Laying the Groundwork

Effective WNMC participation begins before you arrive. Don’t just show up; prepare.

Define Your objectives: What do you want to achieve? Are you seeking new technology partners? Exploring subscription models? identifying best practices in journalistic integrity? Specific goals drive focused activity.

Targeted Networking: Review the attendee list (usually available pre-event). Identify key individuals from organizations you want to connect with. Utilize LinkedIn to initiate contact before the congress.

Content Strategy: What message do you want to convey? Prepare a concise “elevator pitch” about your institution and its unique value proposition. Consider creating a one-pager or digital brochure.

Schedule Optimization: The WNMC agenda is packed. Prioritize sessions relevant to your objectives. Don’t overschedule – allow time for spontaneous meetings and networking. Focus on future of news,media technology,and content monetization.

Maximizing networking Opportunities

Networking is arguably the most valuable aspect of WNMC. Here’s how to do it right:

Beyond the Business Card: Don’t just collect cards; have meaningful conversations. Ask open-ended questions and actively listen.

Leverage Social Media: Use the official WNMC hashtag to engage in online conversations and identify attendees. share insights from sessions in real-time.

Attend Social Events: Receptions and dinners provide a more relaxed habitat for building relationships.

Follow-up is Crucial: Within 48 hours of meeting someone, send a personalized email referencing your conversation. Connect on LinkedIn. This reinforces your connection and demonstrates professionalism. Focus on building long-term relationships, not just immediate gains.

Navigating Key Congress Themes: 2025 Trends

The 2025 WNMC, like previous iterations, will likely focus on several critical themes. Being prepared for these will enhance your experience.

AI and Automation in Newsrooms: Expect notable discussion around the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for content creation, fact-checking, and personalization. Explore tools for automated journalism and AI-powered content recommendation.

The Rise of Newsletters & Direct-to-Consumer Strategies: Newsletters are proving to be a powerful tool for building audience loyalty and generating revenue. learn about best practices for newsletter design, content strategy, and monetization.

Combating Misinformation & Disinformation: Maintaining trust in media is paramount. Sessions will likely address strategies for identifying and combating fake news, and promoting media literacy.

Sustainable Revenue models: The search for sustainable revenue continues. Expect discussions on membership programs, paywalls, sponsored content, and event monetization.

Africa’s tech Leap: As highlighted by the World Economic Forum, Africa is rapidly adopting technology. the congress may feature sessions on leveraging technology for news gathering and distribution in emerging markets. (digital inclusion, mobile journalism).

Leveraging Congress Sessions & Workshops

Don’t just passively attend sessions; actively engage.

Note-Taking & Action Items: Take detailed notes during sessions. Identify specific action items you can implement within your organization.

Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions during Q&A sessions. This demonstrates your engagement and can spark valuable discussions.

workshop Participation: Workshops offer hands-on learning opportunities. Choose workshops that align with your skill gaps and organizational needs.

Post-Session debrief: Discuss key takeaways with colleagues. Share insights and brainstorm how to apply them to your work.

Post-Congress Follow-Up: Turning Connections into Results

The work doesn’t end when the congress does.

Internal Knowledge Sharing: Share your notes and insights with your team. Host a post-congress debriefing session.

implement Action Items: Prioritize and implement the action items you identified during the congress.

Nurture Relationships: Continue to nurture the relationships you built at the congress. Stay in touch with key contacts.

Measure ROI: Track the results of your WNMC participation. Did you achieve your objectives? What could you do differently next time? Consider metrics like new partnerships formed, leads generated, and ideas implemented.

Benefits of a Strategic WNMC Approach

Increased Brand Visibility: Position your organization as a thoght leader in the industry.

Enhanced Networking Opportunities: Build valuable relationships with key stakeholders.

**Access to Cutting