"One Hour, Many Voices" launches at re:publica

From May 18–20, visitors to the Bonn Institute’s booth at the re:publica 2026 in Berlin were invited to learn about and try out the dialogue game firsthand.

"One Hour, Many Voices," known as "Eine Stunde reden" in German, is a moderated dialogue format designed to bring together people with different perspectives and encourage constructive exchange, with the goal of fostering mutual understanding and building trust. Developed by the Bonn Institute, the game draws on journalistic practices and proven dialogue methods.

The German Press Agency (dpa) is a cooperation partner of the Bonn Institute and recommends "One Hour, Many Voices" as an innovative format for newsrooms. Astrid Maier, deputy editor-in-chief and head of strategy at dpa, explains: "The idea that dialogue can build trust is self-evident. And all trend indicators suggest that in a world increasingly shaped by AI-generated content, quality journalism can only be monetized on the basis of trust."

Bärbel Bas, Germany’s federal minister of labor and social affairs, who visited the Bonn Institute's stand, emphasizes the social value of the the dialogue game: "Many people feel unheard when it comes to important social issues, or they withdraw from the discussion altogether. I believe that this one hour, in which people truly engage with one another – and do so in a playful way – offers a valuable opportunity to feel seen and heard."

Thanks to funding from the Media Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesanstalt für Medien NRW), media organizations in the western German state can obtain the game free of charge.

"Especially in times of growing social polarization, we need journalistic formats that bring people back into conversation with one another. 'One Hour, Many Voices' combines media literacy, dialogue and democratic participation in an innovative way. That is why we support the project as part of our initiative on Media in NRW for Democracy and Social Cohesion, says Simone Jost-Westendorf, head of media diversity and innovation at the State Media Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Ellen Heinrichs, founder and CEO of the Bonn Institute, emphasizes the relevance of "One Hour, Many Voices" for journalistic practice. "Journalism today faces the challenge of not only informing people but also building relationships. With 'One Hour, Many Voices,' we provide newsrooms with a practical tool to engage directly with their audiences in a way that goes beyond comment sections and social media. Those who listen build trust. And trust is the foundation of journalism’s future."

The dialogue game is designed for newsrooms seeking new ways to engage with their audiences. The Bonn Institute also provides comprehensive assistance for those wanting to implement the game. In addition to the game itself, participating newsrooms receive a practical handbook, access to moderation training sessions and organizational support for planning and running their own dialogue events.

The German version of the dialogue game, "Eine Stunde reden," is available for purchase in our online shop. The English version will be available at a future date. If you are interested in getting on the waitlist for an English version, please email dialog@bonn-institute.org. 

To the shop