America's Free Press in Shackles

Independent media in the US is not doing well. Between a hostile
administration targeting “biased” news organizations, a highly
polarized public and distribution dominated by algorithms,
America’s free press is facing unprecedented challenges. The
world is watching, one international report after another. But
what is going on beyond the headlines? How are media
professionals on the ground concretely affected, and what are
they doing to preserve the existence of a free press? In this
episode, guests from all walks of journalism – from local news to
media philanthropy to legal defense – examine the state of US
media. They provide a firsthand look not just at where things
are, but also how they reached this point and what can – and is
being done to ensure the continued existence of a free press and
democracy.


The speakers are:


- Keri Mitchell, founder and executive director of the Dallas
Free Press


- Kimberly Spencer, director of the Colorado Media Project


- Thomas S. Leatherbury, law professor and director of the First
Amendment Clinic at Southern Methodist University


- Moritz Döbler, editor-in-chief of the Rheinische Post


- Astrid Maier, deputy editor-in-chief and head of strategy at
the German Press Agency (dpa)


The episode was recorded live at the b° future festival on
October 3, 2025. More information about the b° future festival
can be found here: https://www.b-future.org/


The non-profit Bonn Institute addresses the media
industry's growing need for networking and knowledge exchange on
user-centered approaches to journalism. Through applied research,
publications, events and training, the institute aims to further
develop journalism by placing people’s interests at the heart of
our work, which is especially important in light of societal
challenges.


The Bonn Institute publishes a monthly international newsletter –
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here. https://www.bonn-institute.org/en/newsletter 


Credits: Editor: Paula Rösler (Bonn Institute)


Host: Cristina Burack (Bonn Institute)


Producer: Hannes Kappler


Director: Ellen Heinrichs (Bonn Institute)


Contact: hello@bonn-institute.org 2026 Bonn Institute


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