Exploring the Digital Transition for Minority Language Media in Italy and Germany

From December 2nd to 5th, 2024, Villa Vigoni, located on the scenic Lake Como, hosted the conference “The Digital Transition for Minority Language Media in Italy and Germany: A Knowledge Exchange with European Partners”. Co-organized by the European Centre for Minority Issues (ECMI) and Eurac Research, this event brought together researchers, practitioners, and media experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities of digitalization for minority language media (MLM).

The conference was generously funded and hosted by Villa Vigoni, the German-Italian Centre for European Dialogue. Founded in 1986, Villa Vigoni fosters German-Italian collaboration in a European context by promoting scientific cooperation and dialogue on topics related to European culture, history, and society. Organizers were selected through a competitive application process, with this event being approved based on the quality and relevance of the submitted proposal.

ECMI at the Conference

The ECMI made a strong contribution to the event, bringing high-quality research and expertise to the discussions. Sergiusz Bober and Craig Willis, in addition to co-organizing and co-drafting the conference program in collaboration with colleagues from Eurac Research, participated as both session chairs and panelists. Their dual roles underscored the ECMI’s leading position in the field of minority language media research.

Maddi Dorronsoro Olamusu and Stanislav Černega also represented the ECMI as panelists, presenting on specific case studies. Maddi shared insights on the Basque minority media landscape, while Stanislav provided a detailed overview of the Ruthenian minority media situation. Their presentations added valuable comparative perspectives to the discussions, connecting the experiences of minority language media in Germany and Italy with broader European contexts.

Key Themes

1. Digitalization and MLM:
   Participants discussed how digital platforms affect MLM content and whether these platforms help sustain or undermine linguistic diversity.

2. Traditional Media Challenges:
   Conversations focused on how print and broadcast media are adapting to shifting audience habits and financial pressures, particularly post-pandemic.

3. Social Media as a Solution?
   Panelists examined how social media platforms could fill gaps left by declining traditional MLM and the role of content creators in promoting minority languages.

4. Youth Engagement:
   Discussions addressed the decline in youth engagement with traditional media and explored strategies to appeal to younger audiences through innovative formats.

Connecting to Broader Initiatives

This event contributes to the COST Action CA23105 – Language Plurality in Europe’s Changing Media Sphere (PLURILINGMEDIA), a project led by the ECMI. Launched in late 2024, the Action focuses on addressing the challenges of digitalization and ensuring the visibility of minority languages in the evolving media landscape.

The Action is structured around four working groups, each addressing different aspects of multilingualism in media. Membership in these working groups is open to anyone with an interest in minority language media. Whether you are a researcher, practitioner, or enthusiast, you are welcome to join and contribute to this collaborative effort.

For more information about PLURILINGMEDIA and how to apply for membership, visit ECMI’s project page.

The conference highlighted practical examples and shared experiences that will guide future work within the PLURILINGMEDIA network. Thanks to the support of Villa Vigoni, this event represents an important step toward fostering collaboration and addressing the challenges of linguistic diversity in a digital era.

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