Dial the phone.

The Konrad Adenauer Foundation, established by its namesake Konrad Adenauer himself, has been a beacon of media freedom and democracy promotion since 1979. Based in Berlin, the foundation's address for press inquiries is Klingelhoferstr. 23, 10785 Berlin, and emails can be sent to [email protected].

One of the foundation's most notable initiatives is the Journalistic Training Program (JONA), which has been shaping the careers of young journalists since its inception. This comprehensive program covers all aspects of journalism, from print and radio to television and multimedia. Around 140 scholarship holders from various cities in Germany are currently benefiting from this program, preparing them for the journalism profession.

The practical training program is supplemented by theory seminars led by experienced journalists, providing a solid foundation of knowledge. Internships then offer an opportunity to apply and deepen this knowledge in a real-world setting. Scholarship holders who complete the JONA program are well-prepared for their careers in journalism.

In addition to JONA, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation also supports independent journalists and fosters a free and independent media landscape through its International Media Program. This program promotes professional and value-oriented political communication, and is a vital resource for journalists seeking information about the foundation's work and experts worldwide.

For those interested in learning more about Konrad Adenauer, the foundation offers a video book. This immersive resource features archive films, image documents, and detailed accompanying texts, providing an engaging look into his life from Cologne's Mayor to the Architect of Europe. The video book can be downloaded to a tablet or launched in a current web browser.

The Konrad Adenauer Foundation's work extends beyond Germany, as it champions media freedom as a means of promoting democracy worldwide. Freedom of the press and of opinion is a fundamental prerequisite for the functionality of a democracy, but it is not guaranteed in many countries around the world.

The foundation's efforts in this area are recognised through the German Local Journalism Award, which has been awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to German local journalism since 1980. Contact requests for interviews or background discussions can be directed to the press office at [email protected].

Konrad Adenauer, the foundation's namesake, was closely connected to local politics, and his legacy continues to inspire the work of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation today. Whether through its training programs, support for independent journalists, or promotion of media freedom, the foundation remains committed to fostering a vibrant and democratic media landscape.