Intensified Dilemma: Struggles Mount for Unyielding Solutions

Discover the press endeavors of Konrad Adenauer Foundation, detailed on their dedicated 'Press' page.

, and Administrator

2025 September 12 . 11:37 AM

2 min read

Intensified Dilemma: Struggles Mount for Unyielding Solutions

The Konrad Adenauer Foundation, based in Berlin, has been a significant player in the world of journalism and democracy promotion since 1964. Named after Konrad Adenauer, the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) from 1949 to 1963, the foundation plays a crucial role in upholding the principles of freedom of the press and freedom of opinion.

Adenauer, who was also the Mayor of Cologne before his political career skyrocketed, is the namesake of the foundation. His close connection to local politics is a reminder of the foundation's commitment to local journalism. The German Local Journalist Award, established in 1980, is one of the foundation's most prominent initiatives in this regard. This award is bestowed upon journalists and editorial teams who have made outstanding contributions to German local journalism.

The foundation also offers the Journalistic Training for Young Talent (JONA) program, which has been in operation since 1979. This structured, practical training program covers various aspects of journalism, including print, radio, television, and multimedia. Over 140 scholarship holders from various cities in Germany are currently on their way into media professions through JONA.

In addition to these initiatives, the foundation's Press Office facilitates contact with experts worldwide, making it a service point for journalists from Germany and abroad. The foundation also supports independent journalists, a free and independent media landscape, and professional and value-oriented political communication through its International Media Program.

The foundation's work is particularly important in an era where national and international challenges are becoming increasingly complex, and the assessments of experts are gaining importance for media. In many countries around the world, media freedom is not guaranteed due to government restrictions. Whoever wants to promote democracy must also promote the work of independent and free media.

For those interested in learning more about Konrad Adenauer, a video book is available. This interactive resource includes archive films, photographic documents, and detailed accompanying texts, providing a deeper engagement with the biography of Konrad Adenauer, supplemented by original sources. The video book can be downloaded to a tablet or launched in a web browser.

The Konrad Adenauer Foundation's Press and Public Relations can be contacted at Klingelhoferstr. 23, 10785 Berlin, or via email at [email protected]. The foundation continues to play a vital role in promoting the achievements of local journalists and upholding the principles of a free and independent media landscape.