Ladina Heimgartner, a prominent figure in the media industry, was elected as the new president of Wan-Ifra during the World News Media Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark. The event, which saw the participation of over 900 publishers, editors, journalists, and senior news executives from 80 countries, continues to be a hub of discussions and networking opportunities.
Heimgartner takes over from Fernando de Yarza López-Madrazo, the outgoing president of Henneo Media, who held the position since 2019. Alongside Heimgartner, Agnes Kalekje Nguna, Mariam Mammen Mathew, and Werner Zitzmann were also elected to the Executive Board of Wan-Ifra for the next two years. The new board members are set to work closely with the organization’s Supervisory Board to represent the interests of Wan-Ifra’s country members.
In her acceptance speech, Heimgartner emphasized the crucial role of media in shaping the global narrative and stressed the importance of unity within the industry. She highlighted Wan-Ifra’s role in defending press freedom, sharing knowledge, and facilitating dialogue among media professionals worldwide.
Additionally, four new members were elected to Wan-Ifra’s Supervisory Board during the congress, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to the organization. The event also saw resolutions addressing critical issues in the media landscape, including support for independent media in Ukraine, condemnation of journalist killings in Gaza, and advocacy for media freedom in Georgia.
Overall, the World News Media Congress in Copenhagen served as a platform for industry leaders to come together, exchange ideas, and reaffirm their commitment to upholding journalistic integrity and press freedom in an ever-evolving media landscape.