Reporting under fire: journalism where democracy fades

Olaf Koens (Châtillon-sur-Seine, 1985) is a writer and journalist. He studied philosophy in Groningen and Brussels, and started working as a correspondent in Russia in 2008. He covered Russia and the former Soviet-Union extensively, and was named Journalist of the Year for his reporting on the downing of flight MH17 and the annexation of Crimea. Since 2015, he has reported from the Middle East, based out of Jerusalem and Istanbul. He reports on revolutions and wars and tries to look for small stories that provide insight into complex conflicts.

Photo: Ilja Keizer
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Democracy is under attack worldwide, and journalists find themselves on the frontlines of this battle. How do newsrooms navigate increasing political pressure, legal threats, and violence while maintaining editorial independence? Join Olaf Koens (conflict journalist), Beata Balogová (SME Slovakia), and Stephane Alonse (NRC) as they share experiences from countries where press freedom is deteriorating. Moderated by Karel Verhoeven (De Standaard).

Location: Club 9

Time: 15:50 - 16:35

Speaker(s): Beata Balogová, Olaf Koens, Karel Verhoeven & Stéphane Alonso

Language: ENG

Type: Panel discussion

Theme: Journalistic knowledge & skills

9 September 2025

TivoliVredenburg

Utrecht

How do you make the difference as a journalist?

On 9 september Mediahuis celebrates journalism! Come together with over 250 fellow journalists in the music venue TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht.