Quality journalism is in a crisis. The existing business models that support journalism are either non-sustainable or jeopardize journalistic independence. Paywalls, donations, memberships, advertising, state subsidies, grants—everyone is searching for the Holy Grail of funding. Does the solution lie in the Netflix generation? What are the consequences of this economic crisis for journalism, how did we get here, and how can we get out of it? These are some of the topics we will discuss with our renowned guests.

Participants:
Krisztina Bombera, ATV (Hungary)
Gábor Kardos, 444.hu (Hungary)
Zuzana Kovačič Hanzelova, SME (Slovakia)
Iván Zsolt Nagy, HVG (Hungary)  
Moderator:
Éva Bognár, CEU Center for Media, Data and Society

The discussion is in English. Pre-registration is required at industry@verzio.org. 

Investigative journalism is regarded as one of the last tools to defend democracy in our region—one of the few remaining checks on power. We attribute superhero-like features to investigative journalists who fight corruption and wrongdoing, and take on the villains of our times. But in the meantime, journalism is struggling with a failing business model, a decline in audience trust, apathy, and personal attacks—including online harassment and physical threats. We will discuss trends in investigative journalism, the nature of the job, success stories, innovations, and the particular challenges in the region, with distinguished investigative journalists from Hungary and the neighboring countries.

Participants:
Slobodan Georgijev, BIRN (Serbia)
Mirela Neag, Libertatea (Romania)
Tamás Bodoky, Átlátszó (Hungary)
Gergely Saling, Direkt36 (Hungary)
Moderator:
Csáky Zselyke, Freedom House

The discussion is in English. Pre-registration is required at industry@verzio.org.