Postcard from Chemnitz, European Capital of Culture

The world of news has never been so fast-paced. At the same time, sources of news information can seem more opaque than ever.

Together with Journalismus macht Schule and the Sächsische Landeszentrale für politische Bildung, or the Saxon State Centre for Political Education, we spent several days in the 2025 European Capital of Culture this month alongside media professionals from across Saxony to talk about resilience to disinformation and polarisation.

We were humbled by their commitment to helping teachers improve their understanding of the chaotic media ecosystem that students navigate each day. To celebrate International Press Freedom Day, our longtime Lie Detectors trainer Sven Knobloch upskilled a group of teachers.

Knobloch, a senior freelance journalist, made clear: the world of news has never been so fast-paced. At the same time, sources of news information can seem more opaque than ever.

The journalists shared practical tips to help young people critically and responsibly engage with quality journalism. Reporters also fielded thoughtful questions about media literacy, shared tips teachers can use to help students recognize serious sources, and illuminated how students can systematically research information.

Earlier in the day, Knobloch facilitated a workshop directly with a classroom of students in Chemnitz.

Our activities are part of the joint campaign Presse Freiheit Macht Schule supported by the State Center for Political Education in Saxony and the State Office for School and Education.