75 years of German press agency: Independent reporting in change

75 years of German press agency: Independent reporting in change

Change in the news world: 75 years German press agency

In September 2024, an important anniversary is celebrated: The German Press Agency (dpa) looks back on 75 years of its existence after publishing her first message on September 1, 1949. This event not only marks the beginning of a new era in the German media landscape, but also reflects the ongoing change and the challenges that news agencies are looking for today.

The dpa was founded by the merger of the German Press Service and the German News Agency in Goslar. The initial objective was clear: "The maintenance of the objective message and the independence of every state, party political and economic interest group will be the feature of the new agency." These leading principles have proven themselves as fundamental building blocks for trust in the dpa over the decades.

With over 1,300 employees and an annual turnover of around 165 million euros, the dpa has developed into an important player on the international news market. With offices in around 140 countries and reports in seven languages, the agency serves the needs of media, institutions and companies worldwide. This expansion is a sign of how important independent journalism is for informed society.

The anniversary is celebrated with various actions, including the “Year of the Message” initiative, which is particularly aimed at students. These programs are intended to strengthen awareness of the relevance of news and journalism today. Through school projects and communication campaigns, the DPA promotes news competence, especially among young people who grow up in a time of disinformation.

The meaning of the dpa is also evident in the context of the digital transformation. In view of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and the challenges through the spread of fake news, a news agency that is based on its basic values ​​of independence and non -partisanity is of the greatest importance. DPA CEO Peter Kropsch emphasizes the role of the agency in a democratic society and emphasizes that the principles of the dpa will remain invaluable in the future.

In order to process the history of the dpa, the book "In the Service of the Message. The History of the dpa" was published, in which historian Hans-Ulrich Wagner documents the way of the agency from post-war years to the modern media landscape. This story is of interest not only for media professionals, but also for the general public, since it offers an insight into the development of independent journalism in Germany.

As part of the celebrations, an exhibition in the Berlin Museum of Communication starts on October 10, which illuminates various aspects of the work of the dpa. These events are not only a celebration of what has been achieved, but also an appeal to everyone who preserves the values ​​of independence and reliability in journalism.