Independent media in the US is not doing well. Between a hostile administration targeting “biased” news organizations, a highly polarized public and distribution dominated by algorithms, America’s free press is facing unprecedented challenges. The world is watching, one international report after another. But what is going on beyond the headlines? How are media professionals on the ground concretely affected, and what are they doing to preserve the existence of a free press? In this episode, guests from all walks of journalism – from local news to media philanthropy to legal defense – examine the state of US media. They provide a firsthand look not just at where things are, but also how they reached this point and what can – and is being done to ensure the continued existence of a free press and democracy.

The speakers are:

- Keri Mitchell, founder and executive director of the Dallas Free Press

- Kimberly Spencer, director of the Colorado Media Project

- Thomas S. Leatherbury, law professor and director of the First Amendment Clinic at Southern Methodist University

- Moritz Döbler, editor-in-chief of the Rheinische Post

- Astrid Maier, deputy editor-in-chief and head of strategy at the German Press Agency (dpa)

The episode was recorded live at the b° future festival on October 3, 2025. More information about the b° future festival can be found here: https://www.b-future.org/

The non-profit Bonn Institute addresses the media industry's growing need for networking and knowledge exchange on user-centered approaches to journalism. Through applied research, publications, events and training, the institute aims to further develop journalism by placing people’s interests at the heart of our work, which is especially important in light of societal challenges.

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Credits: Editor: Paula Rösler (Bonn Institute)

Host: Cristina Burack (Bonn Institute)

Producer: Hannes Kappler

Director: Ellen Heinrichs (Bonn Institute)

Contact: hello@bonn-institute.org © 2026 Bonn Institute

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