German media leaders call for innovation coverage and journalistic independence

German media leaders are calling for increased focus on innovation and journalistic integrity. Sebastian Matthes, editor-in-chief of Handelsblatt, emphasized that media outlets have a responsibility to highlight technological advancements and companies solving societal problems, rather than only reporting on failures. He cited the success of the Munich-based startup Isar Aerospace as an example of innovation that deserves more prominent coverage.

At a graduation ceremony for Deutsche Presse-Agentur trainees in Berlin, FUNKE publisher Julia Becker urged the next generation of journalists to maintain independence and distance from those in power. Becker stressed that despite economic pressures and the rise of artificial intelligence, the core of journalism remains the trust of the readers, which is built through careful research, fact-checking, and the courage to report 'what is' without ideological bias.