WAN-Ifra is to merge its Digital Media Europe event into the upcoming Copenhagen World News Media Congress to create a “mega media gathering”.

The seventy-fifth congress is planned for May 27-29, 2024.

WAN-Ifra says in addition to the traditional congress summits for media leaders and editors, it will add a focused digital revenue stream by incorporating the DME conference into the three-day event. Study tours of European news organisations will be offered before and after congress, and an expanded programme of workshops is planned.

An awards ceremony recognising global best practices will occur during the gathering, along with a series of networking events.

The 2024 Golden Pen of Freedom will be awarded at the congress, an enduring reminder of why free and independent news media is critical to society, now more than ever.

Chief executive Vincent Peyrègne says WAN-Ifra is adding “an energetic and deeper digital dimension” to next year’s congress. This will appeal to executives seeking to create a sustainable media business in the face of AI and digital disruption.

Mads Brandstrup, chief executive of local host Danske Medier, said Copenhagen was already preparing for the single most important media business event of 2024. “The event will emphasise that the defence of the free press goes hand in hand with maintaining a strong media business, independent from governments,” he said.

For more information and updates, visit the event website.