Today marks the kick off of the countdown for Voices, the European Festival of Journalism and Media Literacy. The event will take place at the Leopolda Station in Florence on 15-16 March 2024 and is a joint initiative of seven European organisations, led by the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom at the European University Institute. 

“As we live in a world where information is in abundance, but accurate news is not always easy to find, journalism and media literacy become key tools to ensure informed citizenship and democracy. This inaugural edition aims at bringing citizens, journalists and media professionals closer together, encouraging dialogue, and celebrating the pivotal role an informed public plays in societies. Most of all, we hope to foster critical thinking around disinformation.” said Pier Luigi Parcu, Member of the Advisory Board of Voices and Director of the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom.

From tackling journalism's evolution in a rapidly shifting digital landscape to equipping citizens with the tools to navigate these changes, Voices will steer the conversation toward a more informed future. This will be achieved through curated sessions, interactive workshops, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.

Over two days, the festival will explore the themes that shape our relationship with information and media today. These include artificial intelligence and journalism, disinformation, safety of journalists, the challenges within media economic models, media literacy, elections' integrity, EU legislation on media, digital parenting, and digital well-being, among others. 

Pre-registration is now open. Sign up here to guarantee a spot for the festival's main sessions. To be among the first to receive updates when registrations for workshops, training sessions, and interactive activities open, subscribe to the Voices newsletter. 

Furthermore, Voices is awarding ten grants of 1000 euros each to outstanding young journalists and teachers to participate in the first edition of the festival. More information about the selection criteria will soon be available. 

After Florence, this EU-funded initiative will embark on a journey across different European cities to spotlight media freedom and media literacy as essential elements for the functioning of our democratic societies. This Festival will be followed by a second one in Zagreb, Croatia, in February 2025. 

Contact: voices.festival@eui.eu
Press requests: Giulia Giannasi, giulia.giannasi@eui.eu / +39 342 058 73731 
Website: www.voicesfestival.eu
Project partners: Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (lead partner based at the European University Institute), the European Federation of Journalists, the AISBL EBU-UER, the European Association for Viewers Interests, Journalisme et Citoyenneté, Lie Detectors and Savoir*Devenir.  

This project is co-financed by the European Union