Conference description

Join us in Bergen for a three-day event that brings together journalists and media professionals from Norway and Central and Eastern Europe. Facing expanding news deserts and increased restrictions on press freedom, local media are not only responding to these challenges but also creating innovative solutions. This conference will highlight and discuss these developments, which are shaping the future of local media across the region.

As the designated contact point for the EEA Grants for civil society, the Norwegian Helsinki Committee and its European partners have a history of coordinating international conferences in Norway on pressing topics. In 2022, for example, it was about social inclusion.

This year, consultations pinpointed support for local media and freedom of the press as crucial issues, prompting the focus of this year’s conference. Bergen, with the dense network of local newspapers in the region emerged as the clear favorite for host city.

This conference is financed by EEA Grants and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is organized in concert with multiple partners, including the Stefan Batory Foundation and Shipyard Foundation (Poland), Civil Society Development Foundation (FDSC) (Romania), Slagalica Foundation (Croatia), Open Society Foundation, Ekopolis Foundation (Slovakia), Bodossaki Foundation (Greece), Education for Democracy Foundation (Poland), and the Centre for Information Service, Cooperation and Development of NGOs (CNVOS) (Slovenia).

Are you a professional or activist in journalism, media, or freedom of speech situated in Norway? We invite you to express your interest in attending our upcoming conference by completing the registration form here.

Please note that submitting the form does not guarantee a spot. You will receive an email notification regarding whether you are selected to attend.