The 77th World News Media Congress, organized by the global news publishers association WAN-IFRA, opens Monday in Marseille, bringing together about 1,000 media leaders from more than 60 countries for three days of discussions on journalism, technology and business sustainability.
For the first time, the Congress features a dedicated "AI in Media" track alongside its traditional Future of Journalism and Revenue and Growth programs, reflecting how generative AI has evolved from an experimental newsroom tool into a strategic priority for publishers worldwide.
Aju Media, which has integrated AI across editorial production, translation, video creation and multi-platform distribution, has been invited to share its experience on newsroom transformation and audience growth in the AI era.
The gathering marks WAN-IFRA's return to France for the first time in more than three decades. The event is being held at Marseille's Palais du Pharo, a 19th-century palace overlooking the Mediterranean that was built by Emperor Napoleon III.
Founded around 600 BC, Marseille is France's oldest city and one of Europe's most diverse ports, linking Europe, Africa and the Middle East. WAN-IFRA said the choice reflects a deliberate effort to move beyond traditional media capitals and highlight emerging voices shaping the future of journalism.
The annual Congress traces its roots to 1948, when delegates of the first FIEJ Congress — the predecessor to WAN-IFRA — gathered in Paris. Since then it has become the world's largest annual meeting of news publishing executives, rotating among cities across five continents.
Previous editions have been held in Seoul, Cape Town, Taipei and Krakow.
WAN-IFRA today represents more than 3,000 news publishing companies and 60 publishers' associations covering approximately 18,000 publications in 120 countries.
This year's theme, "Rising Voices. Emerging Risks. Inspiring Futures," reflects the industry's struggle to adapt to disruptive technologies, shifting audience behavior, platform dependency and declining public trust.
The AI emphasis marks a notable evolution from previous gatherings.
The 2025 Congress in Krakow addressed artificial intelligence within the broader framework of media transformation under the banner "Mastering Media's New Playbook." The previous year's 75th anniversary edition in Copenhagen focused on "Shaping the Future of News Media in the AI Era."
This year, however, AI has been elevated into a standalone strategic agenda.
WAN-IFRA described AI as a "defining pillar" of its activities in its latest annual review. Its Newsroom AI Catalyst accelerator, developed in partnership with OpenAI, has involved 145 news organizations worldwide in experimenting with and deploying AI-powered newsroom tools.
The Congress will also feature pre-conference workshops on technology, innovation, editorial strategy and business development, while industry-led roundtable discussions will examine media sustainability, revenue diversification, the future of print and the growing creator economy.
All sessions will be conducted in English with AI-powered live translation available in more than 50 languages.
The event will conclude with the presentation of WAN-IFRA's Golden Pen of Freedom Award, the organization's highest honor for press freedom, and the Digital Media Awards Worldwide, which now include categories recognizing the best use of artificial intelligence in newsroom operations and revenue generation.
Following the Congress, delegates will visit leading Paris-based media organizations on a study tour scheduled for June 4 and 5.
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