German media congress Media Tasting celebrated its 10-year anniversary on 3 July 2025 in Stuttgart, drawing a record-breaking crowd of more than 350 industry executives and experts from media, politics, universities and creative sectors.
Held at the event space Im Wizemann, the conference once again positioned itself as a key platform for dialogue on the future of media in Germany and beyond.
This year’s edition centred on urgent questions shaping the media landscape – from the integration of artificial intelligence in production and editorial work to the evolving role of advertising and the growing influence of media on public opinion and democracy.
Organised by Apfel Programm Marketing, the event has been supported since its debut by Baden-Württemberg’s media authority LFK and media and film society (MFG), both of which continue to play a crucial role in its development.
In a panel discussion (pictured), LFK President Dr Wolfgang Kreißig underlined the increasing importance of media regulation and literacy across all age groups as a safeguard against disinformation. He called for a reassessment of current liability protections for online platforms, stressing their responsibility in curbing the spread of misleading content.
Carl Bergengruen, managing director of MFG, highlighted the democratic value of high-quality content: “Strong storytelling in films, series and documentaries plays a key role in shaping opinions and ultimately strengthens our democracy.”
Since its founding in 2015, Media Tasting has become a vital forum for media professionals, regulators, policymakers and researchers – praised for its concise impulse talks and ample opportunities for informal exchange.
Founder Frank Apfel reflected on the congress’s evolution: “It’s the people who inspire us. Establishing this platform with short formats and top-tier speakers over the years has been a real team effort.” Together with LFK and MFG, he said, the event has become a media summit with national relevance and deep regional roots.
Bergengruen echoed the sentiment, saying: “Media Tasting stands for relevance, quality and exchange – all within a setting that’s both inspiring and open to new ideas.”
Kreißig concluded: “In an increasingly complex media environment, Media Tasting offers a reliable compass that anticipates critical issues and sparks debate – a real asset for Baden-Württemberg’s media ecosystem.”
