Samothrace conference highlights future of journalism
The 19th Journalists’ Conference in Semadirek (Samothrace) brought together more than 45 speakers and around 150 journalists, academics, researchers and institutional representatives from Greece and abroad to discuss the future of journalism and the challenges facing the profession.
Press freedom and reliable reporting
The Sept. 25-27 conference focused on press freedom, media independence and the need for accurate, reliable and evidence-based information.
Participants stressed the importance of stronger verification mechanisms as social media, digital publishing and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the news environment.
ANA-MPA President Aria Agatsa said respect for language, people and society was central to responsible journalism. She highlighted the agency’s role since 1905 and stressed that its wide distribution of news also increases the responsibility for accuracy, verification and clear language.
Journalist safety plan
General Secretary of Communication and Information Dimitris Kirmikiroglou announced that Greece is consulting on a National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists.
The plan includes 84 actions across eight areas, including training and protection for journalists covering wars, natural disasters and climate emergencies.
Measures also include psychological support, assistance for journalists’ families and confidential mechanisms for reporting harassment. Kirmikiroglou also highlighted anti-SLAPP protections for journalists investigating matters of public interest.
Environmental reporting under scrutiny
The conference examined how journalists should cover wildfires, floods and other climate-related disasters.
Speakers called for greater use of scientific evidence, reporting that goes beyond dramatic images and continued monitoring of affected areas after the immediate crisis has passed.
Kirmikiroglou said reliable information during disasters can be a matter of public safety, while praising regional journalists who are often among the first to reach affected areas.
Language and accuracy
The role of the Greek language in journalism was another central theme.
Participants discussed the effects of social media, digital publishing and speed-driven reporting, emphasizing the need for journalists to communicate complex scientific and technical issues clearly.
Agatsa stressed that inaccurate wording, misleading headlines and stereotypes can distort information, while Kirmikiroglou described language accuracy as a fundamental part of news accuracy.
AI and disinformation
Artificial intelligence and disinformation were also major topics.
Agatsa said AI is creating new challenges involving fabricated images, synthetic voices and automated texts, requiring continuous journalist training, verification and human editorial responsibility.
Kirmikiroglou warned that false information and AI-generated content can intensify confusion during crises. He said reliable journalism should remain central to efforts to counter disinformation.
Support for regional media
The conference also highlighted the role of local journalism, particularly in border and remote regions.
Kirmikiroglou referred to the new Regional Media Hub in Dimetoka (Didymoticho), designed to provide journalists with training, tools and professional networks.
A media literacy programme is also being implemented in 35 schools, while work has begun on a National Strategy for Media Literacy aimed at helping citizens, particularly young people, assess the reliability of information.
Samothrace issues discussed
The conference also addressed the challenges facing Samothrace and other remote communities.
Mayor Athanasios Vitsas highlighted the long effort required to secure services and projects on the island, while Deputy Interior Minister responsible for Macedonia and Thrace Konstantinos Gkulekas stressed that Samothrace is an integral part of Greece.
A working meeting involving Gkulekas, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis and Vitsas examined the island’s slaughterhouse, customs services, accessibility, tourism, education and cultural needs.
The conference concluded with plans for a detailed statement of conclusions. The next major conference is scheduled for two years from now, while journalists are expected to meet next year at a preliminary conference in the Meriç (Evros) region.
