Running October 22–24, the 39th edition of Europe’s leading cross-sector media conference brings together more than 350 speakers, 100 sessions, and 5,000 expected attendees from television, streaming, journalism, technology, advertising, and policy. With global challenges redefining the role of media, the event aims to answer one central question: What does the future of media look like when artificial intelligence meets freedom of speech and democracy under pressure?
“Rapid transformation, economic pressure, and AI as a catalyst: Munich Media Days 2025 will not just talk about change, but show how media leaders are shaping it,” said Stefan Sutor, CEO of Medien.Bayern, which organizes the event.
Dr. Thorsten Schmiege, President of the Bavarian Regulatory Authority for New Media (BLM), emphasized the urgency of this year’s discussions: “When critical voices are silenced, when facts are declared to be opinions, when platform logic rewards outrage and punishes diligence –then something is tipping over. And not just the debate. In the worst case, it’s democracy itself.”
Highlights on the 2025 Agenda
Several international sessions will explore global perspectives on journalism, entertainment, and technology, with many held in English to reflect Munich Media Days’ growing global reach. Highlights include:
• “The New Normal” with Evan Shapiro (Oct 22) – The self-described “media cartographer” maps out the post-chaos equilibrium of the global industry.
• “Lessons from the U.S. Media Crisis” with Jeff Jarvis (Oct 22) – A fireside chat dissecting collapsing business models, platform power, and lessons for democracy.
• “The Future of Media Investment” with Jeff Zucker (Oct 24) – The former CNN and NBCUniversal chief shares insights on shifting financing models and opportunities in European content.
27th International Eyes & Ears Awards
The week’s celebrations began on Monday night with the 27th International Eyes & Ears Awards, setting a fittingly creative tone for the conference. Held at the ASTOR Film Lounge im ARRI, the gala brought together around 300 media professionals from across Europe — including guests from Portugal, France, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, and Ukraine — to honor outstanding achievements in design, audio, digital, promotion, and cross-media work.
Gold, Silver, and Bronze trophies were awarded across categories. Eyes and Ears also handed over two special prizes, for Prime Video – “Gaska: A Very Polish Supermarket” (BDA Creative) and Seven.One Entertainment Group – “DNA of Democracy”. Agency of the Year 2025 went to BDA Creative, while Seven.One Entertainment Group was named Creative Team of the Year.
From our correspondent in Germany: Luhr-Martin Lemkau - Picture: © Jan Knoff/Eyes & Ears of Europe
