A media landscape and tradition of public discourse that has developed over centuries seems to be coming to an end without any replacement. With the media crisis, the “fourth estate” is disappearing as a countervailing power and watchdog over those in power; the “battle-ship of democracy” (Rudolf Augstein on *Der Spiegel*) has become a rickety handcart.

How are discourses changing in the media that still remain? Where can citizens still obtain reliable information when, amid the competition for attention, standards and trust are eroding, and when the media – even in a democracy – are so closely linked to those in power that information primarily serves the interests of those in power? What role do art and culture play here? What are the consequences for democracy?

THU, April 30th
10:00 - 10:30 Uhr
Massif E / Saal Europa

The keynote speech will be followed by the double panel discussion ‘Less and less art, less and less democracy?’ and ‘An art-free zone?’

Less and less art, less and less democracy?

Culture in the traditional media: between the public sphere, criticism and the audience

The gaps in the media landscape are growing. A lack of diversity as well as insufficient awareness of this issue prevail. The free market clearly 'regulates' nothing at all: In the predatory competition, the big players eat up the smaller ones, before getting swallowed themselves by even bigger ones; the only discernible trend here is relentless cost-cutting and a steady decline in quality. This is particularly evident in the media coverage of art and culture: what started out 25 years ago in the print sector, is now noticeably taking hold in public service broadcasting too: culture magazines are being discontinued and merged, entire culture sections scrapped; what the ‘national press part' are to regional newspapers, ARD pools and merged editorial teams are to public service broadcasting.

Is that really necessary? Is this process irreversible? What remains positive?

Thu, april 30th
10:30 - 12:00 am
Massif E / Saal Europa

Less and less art, less and less democracy? is part of a double-panel with a keynote speech from Harald Welzer.

For the keynote speech and the double-panel we offer a combo ticket.

For the congress we offer day tickets as well as the congress pass for all four days.