Statement
Inspiring kickoff for the new b° local cohort
For two days, 23 curious, open-minded, critical and committed media professionals gathered in Berlin for the b° local kickoff workshop where they dove into solutions journalism.
Five publishing houses, 10 newspapers, eight teams and, most importantly, 23 dedicated media professionals have joined forces with the Bonn Institute to rethink journalism.
The new cohort of the b° local innovation program met in Berlin for a two-day kickoff workshop focused on solutions journalism. In addition to editorial input, the workshop provided space for participants to get to know each other, share challenges and define concrete next steps for the months ahead.
A key highlight was the intensive exchange among peers. Many participants found that newsrooms are facing similar challenges – and that this shared reality presents a valuable opportunity. The teams developed measurable goals for their collaboration over the next ten months, discussed them as a group and explored new perspectives for local journalism.
The following media organizations are part of the program:
Hanauer Anzeiger
Schwetzinger Zeitung
Offenbach Post
Lausitzer Rundschau
Märkische Oderzeitung
Mitteldeutsche Zeitung
Volksstimme
Thüringer Allgemeine Zeitung
Mannheimer Morgen
Rheintaler
Werdenberger & Obertoggenburger
The focus on solutions-oriented reporting, diverse perspectives and audience discussion formats resonated strongly. The aim: to move beyond problem-centered journalism that only describes crises toward constructive approaches that offer real value to readers. As one participant put it: "My joy in journalism has grown even more."
With strong motivation and a shared sense of purpose, the program now enters its next phase as it aims to make local journalism both relevant and financially sustainable.