GFMD has been a consistent participant and partner of the International Journalism Festival over the years. As the festival prepares for its 19th edition, GFMD is actively engaged, contributing with one session and organising a side event.
| 2. April 2025
Taking place in Perugia from Wednesday, April 9, to Sunday, April 13, the festival comes at a critical time for the media sector, bringing together journalists, media professionals, and experts from around the world to explore the latest challenges and opportunities in the industry.
When: April 9, 12:00- 18:00
Where: Perugia Centro Congressi, Hotel Gio, Via Ruggero D’Andreotto 19, Perugia.
During our invitations-only in-person gathering, JCA members and partners—now over 27 strong from across the globe—will come together to assess our progress, exchange insights, and outline the Alliance’s next steps.
Launched in April 2024 and co-convened by GFMD and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), the Journalism Cloud Alliance (JCA) is addressing the critical challenges faced by investigative journalism and data newsrooms arising from the significant expenses and constraints associated with cloud computing. Our vision is a structured, scalable Alliance positioned to reduce cloud computing costs, enhance security, and drive innovation for investigative journalism.
Learn more about how JCA could shape a smarter, sustainable future for journalism.
By fostering collaboration, the JCA aims to make data storage and processing more accessible, secure, and affordable—empowering investigative and data-driven journalism to thrive. This initiative represents a crucial step forward, enabling newsrooms to harness the full potential of technology and take investigative storytelling to new heights in service of the public.
When: April 10, 15:00-15:50
Where: Sala Raffaello, Hotel Brufani
As USAID funding for journalism winds down, what comes next? Join us for a dynamic and timely discussion on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for media organisations worldwide. Our Executive Director, Mira Milosevic, will be among the speakers at the session titled “ From Funding Crisis to Opportunity: Ideas and Solutions in a post-USAID landscape” on April 10.
Led by Lars Boering, Director of the European Journalism Centre (EJC), who has extensive experience supporting and strengthening European journalism, the session is designed to inspire and inform about solutions and opportunities in journalism. Where do we go from here?
Other participants include Sharon Moshavi, President of the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), known for her expertise in media innovation and global journalism initiatives; Alinda Vermeer, Executive Director of the Limelight Foundation and Peter Erdelyi, a seasoned expert in media development.
Together, they will delve into the pressing challenges media organisations face in this evolving financial landscape and explore innovative strategies for resilience and growth. This session promises a dynamic exchange of ideas, equipping attendees with practical insights and actionable solutions to navigate the future of journalism successfully.
GFMD’s Executive Director Mira Milosevic and Campaigns and Communications Manager Liza Bezushko will be present at the festival. Let us know if you’d like to meet up while you’re there.
Whether it’s for sharing ideas, forming partnerships, or simply engaging in meaningful conversations, we look forward to seeing you in Perugia!
Please note: This list includes only the events that GFMD members asked us to promote, not all events organised by members that take place in Perugia.
When: April 10, 14:30 – 16:30
Where: Indigo Art Gallery and Café, Via Oberdan 51, Perugia
Hosted by RNW Media, this informal aperitivo-style gathering at the International Journalism Festival 2025 will bring together media professionals to explore the evolving landscape of journalism sustainability. Against the backdrop of growing financial strain, shifting donor priorities, and the rapid rise of AI, the session will spotlight innovative funding approaches and resilient business models for public interest media.
Featuring contributions from Raseef 22, DW Akademie, Utrecht University, and RNW Media, this event offers a relaxed setting to exchange ideas, enjoy small bites, and connect with others passionate about the future of independent journalism.
Participation is free, but pre-registration is required (limited to 40 attendees).
For questions, contact: galia.guajardo@rnw.org
When: April 11, 18:00 – 20:00
Where: Indigo Art Gallery and Café, Via Oberdan 51, Perugia
Organised by Jnomics Media, this invitation-only lounge session during the International Journalism Festival 2025 brings together leading publishers, media executives, donors, and industry experts for high-level discussions on media sustainability and revenue innovation.
Set in a relaxed atmosphere with drinks and informal conversations, the event is a curated space for decision-makers to exchange insights, explore real-world solutions, and discuss strategies for navigating the evolving media business landscape.
Participation is by invitation only and requires registration.
For inquiries, please contact: mzaremba@jnomics.media
When: April 11, 18:00 – 19:30
Where: Hotel Priori Secret Garden, Via Vermiglioli, Perugia
This exclusive reception aims to foster meaningful discussions on opportunities for collaboration and networking between the Al Jazeera Media Institute and journalists and organizations working on media development in the Global South. The event will provide a platform for dialogue, idea exchange, and the exploration of potential partnerships to advance media excellence and innovation.
Participation requires previous registration.
Contact Ahmad Abuhamad at your earliest convenience: abuhamada@aljazeera.net
When: April 11, 18:30 – 20:00
Where: Il Birraio, Via delle Prome 18, Perugia
During this in-person aperitivo and presentation, DW Akademie invites international media development professionals, researchers, and advocates to reflect on the sector’s performance amid global uncertainty and funding challenges. This event marks the official launch of DW Akademie’s new State of Media Development report, which evaluates how well the media development field aligns with the OECD Principles on Effective Media Support.
With light refreshments and bite-sized insights, participants will hear from sector leaders as they unpack key successes, identify pressing gaps, and explore how the international community can better support independent journalism.
Capacity: Limited; registration required.
Contact: laura.moore@dw.com
When: 18:00 – 19:30 Friday 11/04/2025
Where: Hotel Priori Secret Garden
This exclusive reception aims to foster meaningful discussions on opportunities for collaboration and networking between the Al Jazeera Media Institute, and journalists and organizations working on media development in the Global South. The event will provide a platform for dialogue, idea exchange, and the exploration of potential partnerships to advance media excellence and innovation.
If you are interested in attending the reception, please contact Ahmad Abuhamad at your earliest convenience. Seats are limited. Ahmad’s email: abuhamada@aljazeera.net