Breaking Barriers: DIACOMET at the Future of Journalism Conference 2025

On 11–12 September 2025, the 10th biennial Future of Journalism Conference took place at Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media and Culture (JOMEC). The conference explored this year’s theme: “Conflicting Journalisms: Resistance, Struggle, and Prospects”, focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing journalism in times of political polarisation, technological change and social transformation.

Representing the DIACOMET project, Marie Rathmann and Christina Krakovsky presented an Austrian case study: “Breaking Barriers: Dialogue as a Tool for Journalism to Counter Polarised and Populist Narratives.” The study combined document analysis of ethical codes and guidelines (WP2) with focus group interviews (WP3). It was carried in collaboration with Krisztina Rozgonyi, Tobias Eberwein and Marina Lindmeyr. Together, the team explored how dialogue-based approaches in journalism can help counter polarisation, strengthen democratic discourse and offer constructive alternatives to populist narratives. 

Moreover, the Swiss team (Laura Pranteddu, Laura Amigo and Colin Porlezza) gave an insightful DIACOMET-related presentation about AI-guidelines in Switzerland, contributing to a broader discussion on the future of journalism in challenging contexts. The Future of Journalism Conference has proven to be a space for meaningful dialogue, thoughtful reflection and a shared commitment to making journalism part of the solution.