A closing note after thirteen vibrant years at the helm of WAN-IFRA
Looking back on my thirteenth and final year as CEO of WAN-IFRA, the World Association of News Publishers, I feel incredibly proud of what our organisation and its members have achieved. The year 2025 truly showed the energy and creativity that make our industry unique. We faced challenges head-on and turned them into chances to grow, especially in Artificial Intelligence, where WAN-IFRA has become a trusted guide for news organisations around the world.
In a year defined by profound global shifts, the news media industry finds itself at a critical juncture. We are navigating an environment marked by the persistent spread of disinformation, significant economic pressures, and increasing political interference that threatens the very foundations of independent journalism. Yet, in the face of these challenges, the WAN-IFRA community has demonstrated remarkable resilience and an unwavering commitment to its mission.
A free press is not a given - it is built, defended, and sustained by people who believe democracy cannot survive without it. During my decade with the World Association of News Publishers, I envisioned a world where independent journalism thrives in every country: financially viable, protected from interference, and trusted by the people it serves. That future demands an organisation willing to fight for it, and I am confident WAN-IFRA will continue to lead this effort in the years ahead.
