Shaping the future of journalism: WAN-IFRA welcomes 2026

2025 was a stellar year for WAN-IFRA, demonstrating our global reach by engaging more than 10,000 media leaders worldwide through conferences, study tours, webinars, and leadership training. We promise that 2026 will be no less interesting for WAN-IFRA members. Among many other things, with a historically strong line-up for the World News Media Congress. This year hosted by CMA Media in the marvelous city of Marseille.

First, a New Year's greeting from WAN-IFRA President, Ladina Heimgartner, and incoming CEO, Stig Ørskov:

A few of many highlights in 2025:

• Global presence:We hosted 18 conferences welcoming several thousand participants across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. On top of that, we conducted five study tours.
• Strong and diverse voices:A total of 555 speakers and panelists took the stage, including 217 women, reflecting our continued commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• The World News Media Congressreaffirmed its position as the world's largest gathering of news media bringing together 1,000 media leaders in the beautiful city of Krakow. We extend our deepest gratitude to the host of the congress, CEO Bartosz Hojka and his amazing team at Agora Media Group.
• The AI in Media initiative, helmed by Ezra Eeman, is now a defining pillar of WAN-IFRA's work and a clear expression of our global leadership in this field. Through the initiative, we delivered a comprehensive programme of webinars and executive briefings, and launched AI Forums across the world - from Jakarta to Mexico City and Paris - creating a shared platform for publishers to learn, exchange experiences, and shape best practice. In parallel, we significantly expanded the Newsroom AI Catalyst programme, supported by OpenAI, onboarding new regions including Australia and New Zealand. Since its launch, the programme has engaged 145 newsrooms globally, translating strategic intent into practical experimentation and tangible newsroom impact.
• The Future Audiences Initiativewas launched to extend WAN-IFRA's reach into the creator economy and establish a structured engagement model between newsrooms and creators. Supported by Google, the initiative has brought 100 news creators and digital newsrooms on board in 2025.

Strengthening journalism and leadership worldwide

One of the proudest moments of 2025 happened on 28 September, when more than 1,000 news brands around the world came together to mark World News Day, underscoring the power of fact-based journalism and its essential role in public life.

In 2025 our media development programmes supported more than 1,500 journalists and media managers through 350 events. We also celebrated the completion of the Leadership Accelerator programme by 230 women media leaders from 24 countries. This brings the total number of leaders trained through Women in Newsto more than 7,500.

The year also saw the launch of the Stronger Togetherprogram for Ukrainian media, funded by the Norwegian government and delivered by a consortium including WAN-IFRA members MBL and AIRPPU. In its first year, the program brought together 40 independent Ukrainian media organizations.

As an organization rooted in the belief that a free press and independent journalism create stronger societies, we will continue to relentlessly defend media freedom. We will also deepen our efforts to support the development of free and sustainable media around the world through our highly respected media development programmes.

Impact as our guiding principle

Impact will be our keyword. Whether we are creating world-class knowledge and inspiration or contributing to crucial conversations about the future of the global media industry, our clear ambition is to generate the greatest possible impact on behalf of our members.

The year ahead will be decisive for news publishers worldwide. Rapid advances in artificial intelligence, evolving platform relationships, shifting audience expectations and political pressure are just some of the factors reshaping our industry. In this environment, the role of a strong, independent, and member-driven global network has never been more important.

WAN-IFRA's focus in 2026 is clear: to help the news media industry turn complexity into opportunity. Across our global and regional events, professional communities, research, training, and advisory services, we are concentrating on what delivers the greatest value: Practical insight, trusted peer-level exchange, and inspiration that translates into real-world decision-making.

A strong start to 2026

We are off to a flying start in 2026 with a bouquet of industry-leading events:

• 15 January, 14:00 CET - Ezra Eeman hosts a webinar with Christina Lim, OpenAI's Manager for Media Partnerships. Register here.
• 26-30 January - Our first study tour of the year: the AI Study Tour to San Francisco and Silicon Valley.The tour is almost full, but if you act quickly, we may be able to find an extra seat. More information.
• 17 February - AI in Media Forum 2026 in Bangalore. Details here.

And this is just the beginning. You can explore our continuously updated 2026 events calendar.

We also encourage you to secure your place at the World News Media Congress 2026, taking place in Marseille, France, from 1-3 June. The program features an outstanding line-up of speakers, including A.G. Sulzberger, Chairman and Publisher of The New York Times; Katharine Viner, Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian; Anders Opdahl, CEO of Amedia; and Almar Latour, CEO of Dow Jones and Publisher of The Wall Street Journalto name just a few. Read more here.

We can't wait to see you throughout the year and look forward to providing the news publishing industry with the most relevant, timely, and inspiring knowledge available.

Building for the future, together

In a time of rapid change, it is essential for WAN-IFRA to remain agile, focused, and closely aligned with member needs. In the year ahead, we will sharpen our priorities, simplify how we work, and ensure our resources are directed where they deliver the greatest impact for members.

This focus is further strengthened by the integration of FIPP, the leading global organization for magazine publishers and special-interest media. Effective 1 January 2026, the merger creates the world's largest and most diverse alliance of media companies, uniting over 20,000 media brands and industry suppliers across 120 countries.

We are excited to welcome the FIPP community into the WAN-IFRA family, further broadening the reach, expertise, and connections available to our members.

2026 also marks a moment of continuity and renewal in WAN-IFRA's leadership. As Vincent Peyregne steps down, Stig Ørskov joins as Chief Executive Officer, bringing deep industry experience and a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our members.

Together with our teams and boards, we are committed to building on WAN-IFRA's strengths while shaping the organisation for the future. Always with member value at the centre!

Above all, WAN-IFRA is yournetwork. Its strength lies in the members engaging with the community: Willingness to share experience, courage to challenge assumptions, and curiosity to learn from one another across regions and business segments. We look forward to working with you throughout 2026, supporting the news media industry where strategic choices matter most.

Do not hesitate to reach out with suggestions on how we can better serve your needs. As a membership organization, your engagement is essential. By serving our members in the most useful way, we help the world's media fulfil their vital role in society.

With our very best wishes for the New Year,

Ladina Heimgartner
President, WAN-IFRA

Stig Ørskov
Chief Executive Officer, WAN-IFRA

WAN-IFRA Staff

[email protected]