The news media and national resilience: what part does journalism play in sustaining democracy at a time of escalating concerns over national security?

The news media and national resilience: what part does journalism play in sustaining democracy at a time of escalating concerns over national security?

This third Anchor Event of Ditchley’s 2025 Media Programme, hosted in Berlin, explored the role independent media plays in upholding democratic decision-making. 

Geopolitical rivalry is on the rise and information warfare is the frontline. The supply of trustworthy news is now widely regarded as vital to the security of nations and the ability of their leaders to make difficult decisions. For democracy to function, accurate newsgathering is more critical than ever and trustworthy news needs to be protected. However, public faith in even the most respected news organisations is on the decline. So where does responsibility for that protection lie? Can news organisations do things differently? Is there some role for the state in protecting journalism – and how could that co-exist with independent journalism? Our third Anchor Event will explore this territory – how journalism contributes to national security and what the practical implications of that are, as well as how this affects the safety of journalists: in conflict, in exile, and simply doing their jobs.