The International Journalism Festival

Overview of the International Journalism Festival

The International Journalism Festival (IJF) stands as Europe's largest annual media event, bringing together thousands of journalists, media professionals, scholars, and experts from around the world. Held annually in the historic city of Perugia, Italy, the festival has established itself as a premier global gathering for discussing the most pressing issues facing journalism today.

According to the festival’s official FAQ, the 2024 edition featured an impressive 220 sessions with 612 speakers during its five-day program, demonstrating the scale and comprehensive nature of the event. The festival covers a wide spectrum of topics including technology, ethics, investigative reporting, media freedom, artificial intelligence, and global media trends.

What makes the International Journalism Festival particularly unique is its accessibility. Unlike many professional conferences that require registration fees and formal registration processes, the IJF is completely free to attend with no registration required. This open-door policy has contributed significantly to its popularity and diverse attendance.

As described by The Walkleys, "The International Journalism Festival is unique. It brings together more than 3000 participants from all over the world to explore what's happening – and what's next – in journalism. Held in the medieval city of Perugia, it's free to attend and there's no registration: you just turn up. The atmosphere is welcoming and friendly."

The festival was founded in 2006 by Arianna Ciccone and Christopher Potter, who remain the festival directors and oversee all aspects of the event. The IJF maintains complete independence, with no affiliation to any media organization, and does not operate with an advisory board or executive committee.

History and Development

The International Journalism Festival was established in 2006 by founders Arianna Ciccone and Christopher Potter. According to the Media Diversity Institute, while some sources cite 2009 as the founding year, the festival's official FAQ confirms 2006 as the actual founding date.

From its inception, the festival has maintained its independence from media organizations, with Ciccone and Potter continuing to serve as the festival directors, overseeing all aspects of the event without an advisory board or executive committee. This independent structure has allowed the festival to maintain editorial freedom and address a wide range of topics without institutional constraints.

Over the years, the festival has grown substantially in both size and influence. What began as a relatively modest gathering has evolved into what is now described as "the biggest annual media event in Europe." The 2024 festival featured 220 sessions with 612 speakers over its five-day program, demonstrating its significant growth and expanding scope.

The festival has adapted to changing times and technologies. In recent years, it has incorporated live streaming of sessions and made recordings available on its YouTube channel, expanding its reach beyond those physically present in Perugia. This digital accessibility became particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained a key feature of the festival.

Location and Setting

The International Journalism Festival takes place annually in Perugia, Italy, a picturesque medieval city in the Umbria region. The festival's venues are strategically situated throughout Perugia's historic town center, creating a unique atmosphere that blends cutting-edge media discussions with centuries-old architecture.

According to The Matthew, "From dawn till dusk, the city buzzed with activity as attendees, adorned with speakers' tags, camera-wielding reporters, and curious onlookers cluttered the labyrinthine alleys and bustling restaurants, enveloping the town in an electrifying and bustling atmosphere."

The Media Diversity Institute notes that the festival's "beautiful location and the many medieval buildings in which conference panels and sessions are held are trumped only by the wide range of speakers and panels that the festival hosts every year."

This integration of a modern media conference within a historic setting creates a distinctive environment that many attendees find inspiring. The contrast between cutting-edge discussions about the future of journalism and the ancient surroundings of Perugia adds a unique dimension to the festival experience.

For the upcoming 2025 festival, organizers have announced changes to the venue arrangements. According to the official festival website, "Regarding #ijf25 venues, average capacity will be significantly higher than at #ijf24. We have added three bigger venues – and eliminated the smaller venues – in order to avoid a repetition of the #ijf24 problem of some attendees being unable to follow some sessions in person. Our objective is to guarantee that all attendees can get into any session they choose."

The 2025 International Journalism Festival

The 19th edition of the International Journalism Festival is scheduled to take place from Wednesday, April 9 to Sunday, April 13, 2025 in Perugia, Italy. According to the festival’s official announcement, the English-language portion of the program will be concentrated on Thursday, April 10 through Saturday, April 12, while Sunday, April 13 will feature exclusively Italian-language sessions.

Format and Accessibility

Maintaining its commitment to accessibility, the 2025 festival will continue its tradition of free entry for all attendees. No tickets or registration are required to attend any of the sessions. Additionally, all sessions (except for one-to-one clinics) will be live-streamed, with on-demand videos available immediately afterward, allowing global participation beyond those physically present in Perugia.

The festival organizers have addressed a significant issue from the 2024 event by increasing venue capacity for 2025. They have added three larger venues and eliminated smaller ones to ensure that all attendees can access their sessions of choice. According to the official announcement, "Our objective is to guarantee that all attendees can get into any session they choose."

Program Submissions and Side Events

For those interested in contributing to the festival program, proposals for sessions (including panel discussions, presentations, workshops, interviews, or other formats) can be submitted via an online form. The deadline for submissions is December 31, 2024, with decisions on accepted proposals to be communicated by January 10, 2025.

Side events, such as aperitivi (cocktail receptions) and meet-ups, have grown increasingly popular in recent years. The festival welcomes proposals for inclusion in the side events program, though there is no formal deadline. However, organizers recommend early submission due to high demand for suitable venues.

Transportation and Logistics

The festival will again offer a bus transfer service for attendees traveling from Rome Fiumicino airport to Perugia and back. According to the IJF Transfer Service, tickets for festival attendees cost €30 one way per person, while the service is free for festival speakers. Complete details regarding departure times and ticket purchasing will be available on the festival website in January 2025.

Content and Themes

The International Journalism Festival covers a broad spectrum of topics relevant to contemporary journalism, with themes evolving to reflect the most pressing issues facing the industry. Based on recent festivals and announced sessions for 2025, several key themes emerge:

Artificial Intelligence in Journalism

Artificial intelligence has become an increasingly dominant topic at the festival. According to The Walkleys, the 2024 festival featured "13 sessions looking at AI's opportunities and threats compared to just five last year," highlighting the rapidly growing importance of this technology in journalism.

Tech Policy Press reported that the 2024 festival featured "eleven panels focused on artificial intelligence (AI), including discussions about the relationship between publishers and technology platforms, the shift away from social media's global dominance, and the growing role of AI developers in news media."

For the 2025 festival, AI continues to be a central theme. The Reuters Institute highlights upcoming panels on "AI and the media industry," indicating the continued relevance of this topic.

Conflict Reporting and Global Crises

Reporting from conflict zones remains a critical focus of the festival. The Reuters Institute noted that the 2024 festival included significant discussions on "covering the war in Gaza," while the 2025 festival will feature panels on "reporting from conflict zones."

International Media Support mentions that the 2025 festival will include events dealing with topics such as "media's role in post-Assad Syria," demonstrating the festival's engagement with complex geopolitical issues and the challenges journalists face in covering them.

Media Funding and Sustainability

The financial sustainability of journalism remains a persistent theme at the festival. The International Center for Journalists highlights that their team will "contribute to discussions on critical topics ranging from funding models" at the 2025 festival.

Similarly, International Media Support notes that the 2025 festival will address "where to find those much-needed funds to support public interest journalism."

The International Press Institute mentions planned discussions on "government funding of journalism" and "media support strategies," further emphasizing the importance of financial models for sustaining quality journalism.

Press Freedom and Media Independence

Press freedom challenges continue to be a central concern at the festival. The International Press Institute will be participating in the 2025 festival to "forge a path for the future of press freedom and independent media," including discussions on "press freedom challenges."

This focus reflects the festival's commitment to addressing fundamental issues affecting journalists' ability to work freely and independently around the world.

Innovative Storytelling Approaches

The festival consistently showcases innovative approaches to journalism and storytelling. According to The Walkleys, the 2024 festival featured "key topics in storytelling innovation included sessions on covering warzones and elections, investigative and data journalism, film-making, podcasting and audio, and climate journalism."

The same source noted multiple sessions on "approaches to journalism such as constructive, solutions and collaborative reporting," highlighting the festival's focus on evolving methodologies in journalism practice.

Structure and Format of the Festival

The International Journalism Festival employs a diverse and flexible format that accommodates various types of sessions and interactions. The festival typically runs for five days, with the upcoming 2025 edition scheduled from April 9-13. The structure includes:

Session Types

The festival features a variety of session formats to address different topics and facilitate various forms of engagement:

• Panel Discussions: These bring together multiple experts to discuss specific topics, with moderated conversations that often include audience Q&A.
• Presentations: Individual speakers or small groups present research findings, case studies, or innovative projects.
• Workshops: More interactive sessions that provide hands-on learning opportunities for participants.
• Interviews: One-on-one conversations between interviewers and notable figures in journalism.
• One-to-One Clinics: Personalized consultation sessions (notably, these are the only sessions not live-streamed).

According to the festival’s official website, individuals can propose any of these session types for inclusion in the 2025 program, with submissions due by December 31, 2024.

Language Distribution

The festival accommodates both international and local audiences through its language structure. For the 2025 festival, the official announcement states: "The English-language part of the festival programme will be concentrated on Thursday 10, Friday 11 and Saturday 12 April. On Sunday 13 April there will be only Italian-language sessions."

This structure allows the festival to serve both its international audience and the local Italian journalism community.

Side Events and Networking Opportunities

Beyond the formal sessions, the festival includes numerous side events that facilitate networking and community building. According to the festival website, "Side events – aperitivi, meet-ups, other – have become increasingly popular over the past two years."

Examples of planned side events for 2025 include:

• A networking drinks reception hosted by One World Media and Rory Peck Trust, described as "an inspiring evening of connections and conversation, with a stunning view of Perugia."
• An Independent European media apéro with Sphera Network and Médianes, offering "an evening of conversations, connections, and collaboration among Europe's independent media professionals."

These events provide valuable opportunities for informal exchanges and relationship building that complement the more structured sessions of the main program.

Digital Accessibility

The festival has embraced digital accessibility, making its content available beyond those physically present in Perugia. According to the official announcement, "All festival sessions (with the exception of the one-to-one clinics) will be live-streamed with the on-demand video available immediately afterwards."

This approach significantly expands the festival's reach and impact, allowing journalists and media professionals worldwide to benefit from the discussions and presentations.

Participation and Attendance

The International Journalism Festival attracts a diverse and substantial audience from across the global journalism community. According to The Walkleys, the festival "brings together more than 3000 participants from all over the world to explore what's happening – and what's next – in journalism."

Attendee Profile

The festival draws a broad spectrum of participants from various sectors of the media industry and related fields:

• Journalists and reporters from various media organizations
• Editors and media executives
• Academic researchers and scholars
• Media technology developers
• Journalism students
• Media policy experts
• Representatives from press freedom organizations
• Media funders and philanthropic organizations

The Media Diversity Institute notes that "Although it is held in Europe, the festival is international in its scope and attracts journalists from around the world," highlighting the global nature of the gathering.

Speaker Diversity

The festival features hundreds of speakers representing diverse perspectives and experiences. The 2024 festival included 612 speakers across its 220 sessions, demonstrating the breadth of voices featured.

For the 2025 festival, numerous organizations have announced their participation, including:

• The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), whose team members "will contribute to discussions on critical topics ranging from funding models and press freedom to AI's impact and innovative approaches to measuring impact."
• The International Press Institute (IPI), which will participate in panels on "government funding of journalism, press freedom challenges, and media support strategies."
• The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, which will contribute to discussions on "AI and the media industry, reporting from conflict zones and how journalists can tackle considerable shifts in the international news ecosystem."

Attendance Logistics

One of the most distinctive features of the International Journalism Festival is its open accessibility. According to the festival’s FAQ, when asked "I want to attend IJF; what must I do?" the answer is simply: "Nothing. Just come to Perugia and enjoy the festival. All IJF sessions are free entry for all attendees, without tickets and without registration."

This open-door policy contributes significantly to the festival's inclusive atmosphere and diverse attendance. However, it also means that popular sessions can fill up quickly. The FAQ advises: "Entry to all sessions is on a first-come-first-served basis. To guarantee entry you should arrive before the start of the session."

For the 2025 festival, organizers have addressed capacity issues from previous years by adding larger venues. According to the official announcement, "We have added three bigger venues – and eliminated the smaller venues – in order to avoid a repetition of the #ijf24 problem of some attendees being unable to follow some sessions in person. Our objective is to guarantee that all attendees can get into any session they choose."

Funding and Sponsorship

The International Journalism Festival operates on a unique financial model that enables it to offer free attendance while maintaining its independence and comprehensive programming.

Funding Sources

According to the festival’s FAQ, "All IJF sessions are free entry for all attendees. In consequence, ticket revenue is zero. IJF revenue comes from sponsorships, philanthropic donations and institutional partnerships."

The 2024 festival was supported by a diverse group of funders, including:

• Philanthropic organizations: Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Knight Foundation, Luminate, Open Society Foundations
• Technology companies: Google News Initiative, Microsoft
• Consulting firms: McKinsey & Company
• Government entities: Umbria Regional Council and Perugia Town Council

This mix of funding sources helps the festival maintain both financial stability and editorial independence.

Sponsorship and Editorial Independence

While the festival relies on sponsorships and partnerships for funding, it maintains strict editorial independence. As stated in the FAQ, "IJF is totally independent and has no affiliation with any media organisation."

The festival was founded and continues to be directed by Arianna Ciccone and Christopher Potter, who "remain the two IJF directors and who are in charge of all aspects of IJF. There is no IJF advisory board or executive committee." This structure helps ensure that programming decisions remain independent of sponsor influence.

However, it's worth noting that some of the festival's major sponsors, such as Google News Initiative and Microsoft, are also significant players in the media technology landscape that is often discussed at the festival. Tech Policy Press specifically mentioned that the 2024 festival was "sponsored by the Google News Initiative and Microsoft, among others" when discussing panels focused on artificial intelligence and the relationship between publishers and technology platforms.

Impact and Significance

The International Journalism Festival has established itself as a significant event in the global journalism landscape, with impact extending beyond the five days of the annual gathering in Perugia.

Industry Influence

The festival serves as an important platform for discussing and shaping trends in journalism. According to the Reuters Institute, journalists from around the world gather at the festival "to discuss some of the most crucial issues for the news industry at a time of upheaval."

The festival's influence is evident in how it identifies and amplifies emerging trends. For example, the significant increase in AI-focused sessions from five in 2023 to thirteen in 2024, as reported by The Walkleys, demonstrates the festival's role in tracking and responding to rapidly evolving industry developments.

Knowledge Sharing and Professional Development

The festival facilitates extensive knowledge sharing across the journalism community. The International Center for Journalists describes their participation as an opportunity to "learn, connect and collaborate with other journalists and media supporters from across the world."

This knowledge sharing extends beyond those physically present in Perugia through the festival's commitment to live streaming and recording all sessions. As noted by the Reuters Institute, "All the panels will be live-streamed on the festival's IJF YouTube channel," making the insights and discussions accessible to a global audience.

Networking and Collaboration

The festival creates valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration within the journalism community. The International Press Institute expresses excitement about "connecting with our members, partners and the global journalism community to forge a path for the future of press freedom and independent media."

These connections often extend beyond the festival itself, leading to ongoing collaborations and initiatives. The numerous side events, such as the networking receptions hosted by various organizations, provide structured opportunities for relationship building and idea exchange.

Global Perspective

While based in Europe, the festival maintains a distinctly global perspective. The Media Diversity Institute notes that "Although it is held in Europe, the festival is international in its scope and attracts journalists from around the world."

International Media Support highlights that their "partners and collaborators are all over both the city and the programme – making sure that local perspectives and challenges are always represented in the global discussions on media and journalism," emphasizing the festival's commitment to including diverse global voices.

Practical Information for Attendees

For those planning to attend the 2025 International Journalism Festival, here is essential practical information to help navigate the event effectively:

Dates and Location

The 2025 festival will take place from Wednesday, April 9 to Sunday, April 13, 2025 in Perugia, Italy. English-language sessions will be concentrated on Thursday through Saturday (April 10-12), while Sunday (April 13) will feature only Italian-language sessions.

All festival venues are located within Perugia's historic town center, creating a compact and walkable conference experience amid the city's medieval architecture.

Registration and Entry

One of the most distinctive features of the International Journalism Festival is its open accessibility. According to the festival’s FAQ:

• No registration or tickets required: Simply arrive at the venues and attend the sessions of your choice.
• Free entry: All sessions are free to attend.
• First-come, first-served seating: For popular sessions, early arrival is recommended to secure a seat.

For the 2025 festival, organizers have addressed capacity issues from previous years by adding larger venues to accommodate more attendees at popular sessions.

Transportation

For international attendees, the festival offers a convenient transfer service:

• Airport transfers: Bus service is available from Rome Fiumicino airport and Perugia International airport to Perugia town center and back.
• Cost: €30 one way per person for festival attendees (free for festival speakers).
• Booking: According to the IJF Transfer Service, complete details regarding departure times and ticket purchasing will be available on the festival website in January 2025.

Accommodation

While the research materials don't provide specific accommodation recommendations, the festival's popularity means that hotels and rental properties in Perugia fill up quickly during the event. Early booking is advisable for those planning to attend.

Digital Participation

For those unable to attend in person, the festival offers comprehensive digital access:

• Live streaming: All sessions (except one-to-one clinics) are live-streamed.
• On-demand videos: Recordings are made available immediately after each session.
• YouTube channel: All content is accessible through the festival's YouTube channel.

This digital accessibility makes the festival's content available to a global audience regardless of physical attendance.

Side Events Attendance

The festival includes numerous networking events and social gatherings that complement the main program:

• Many side events require separate registration due to capacity limitations.
• Some events are by invitation only but allow registration of interest.
• First drinks and refreshments are often provided at these networking events.

Examples for 2025 include the networking drinks reception hosted by One World Media and Rory Peck Trust and the Independent European media apéro with Sphera Network and Médianes.

Critical Perspectives and Challenges

While the International Journalism Festival is widely regarded as a valuable and influential event, it's important to consider critical perspectives and challenges associated with the festival.

Venue Capacity Challenges

One practical challenge that has affected attendee experience is venue capacity. The festival's popularity has sometimes exceeded the capacity of its venues, leading to situations where attendees were unable to access sessions of interest.

The organizers have acknowledged this issue and taken steps to address it for the 2025 festival. According to the official announcement, "We have added three bigger venues – and eliminated the smaller venues – in order to avoid a repetition of the #ijf24 problem of some attendees being unable to follow some sessions in person. Our objective is to guarantee that all attendees can get into any session they choose."

Diversity and Representation

Questions of diversity and representation are important considerations for any global journalism event. The Media Diversity Institute has specifically examined the festival through this lens, acknowledging its international scope while implicitly raising questions about representation.

International Media Support notes their role in "making sure that local perspectives and challenges are always represented in the global discussions on media and journalism," suggesting an ongoing need to ensure diverse global voices are included.

While the festival attracts participants from around the world, the extent to which it achieves balanced representation across geographical, cultural, and socioeconomic dimensions remains an important area for critical consideration.

Sponsor Relationships

The festival's funding model, which relies heavily on sponsorships from major technology companies and foundations, raises questions about potential influence on programming and discussions. As noted by Tech Policy Press, the 2024 festival was "sponsored by the Google News Initiative and Microsoft, among others" while featuring numerous panels on artificial intelligence and the relationship between publishers and technology platforms.

While the festival maintains editorial independence, with founders Arianna Ciccone and Christopher Potter directing all aspects of the event without an advisory board or executive committee, the relationship between funding sources and festival content merits critical examination.

Accessibility Beyond Physical Attendance

Although the festival offers free entry and digital access to sessions, attending in person requires significant resources for international travel, accommodation, and time away from work. This creates inherent limitations on who can fully participate in the networking and informal exchanges that are valuable aspects of the festival experience.

The festival's location in Europe, while beautiful and historically significant, may present barriers to participation for journalists from other regions, particularly those from the Global South or those working with limited institutional support.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The International Journalism Festival has established itself as a premier global gathering for the journalism community, offering a unique combination of accessibility, comprehensive programming, and a beautiful historic setting. As it approaches its 19th edition in April 2025, the festival continues to evolve while maintaining its core commitment to free and open access to discussions about the most pressing issues facing journalism today.

The festival's significance extends beyond the five days of sessions in Perugia, influencing industry trends, facilitating knowledge sharing, and fostering collaborations that continue throughout the year. Its digital accessibility ensures that insights and discussions reach a global audience far beyond those physically present in Italy.

Looking ahead, the festival faces both opportunities and challenges. The organizers' proactive approach to addressing venue capacity issues demonstrates responsiveness to attendee feedback. However, questions of diversity, representation, and the influence of major sponsors remain important considerations for the festival's continued development.

For journalism professionals, scholars, and students, the International Journalism Festival offers a valuable opportunity to engage with current issues, connect with colleagues from around the world, and gain insights into the future of the field. Whether attending in person or participating digitally, the festival provides access to a rich array of perspectives and discussions that reflect the complex and evolving landscape of global journalism.

As the media industry continues to navigate technological disruption, economic challenges, and threats to press freedom, gatherings like the International Journalism Festival play an essential role in fostering the conversations, connections, and collaborations needed to sustain and advance quality journalism worldwide.