The Value of Being Human

The annual Adenauer Media Lecture, jointly organised by the KAS Media Programme Sub-Saharan Africa and the Wits Centre for Journalism, has become a valued tradition. For its third edition, the event welcomed Ellen Heinrichs, Founder and CEO of the Bonn Institute, to Wits University on the 13 of October 2026.

Before founding the Bonn Institute, Ellen Heinrichs held several leadership positions at “Deutsche Welle”, where she contributed to the development of “DW-Akademie” and the broadcaster’s digital transformation.

Speaking under the theme “The Value of Being Human: Constructive Journalism in the Age of AI,” Heinrichs explored what makes journalism indispensable at a time when artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing how information is produced and consumed.

The lecture demonstrated how Constructive Journalism can help audiences understand complex challenges, engage across differences and consider possible ways forward. Heinrichs emphasised that this approach is not about giving the news a positive spin, but about examining responses and solutions while maintaining journalistic accuracy. “Asking better questions.”

The KAS Media Programme Sub-Saharan Africa thanks Ellen Heinrichs, the Wits Centre for Journalism and everyone who contributed to this inspiring discussion about the future of journalism.