MEDIENTAGE München 2026
More Courage for Independence and Self-Determination
The MEDIENTAGE München are celebrating their anniversary! From October 21 to 23, the national and international media landscape will gather for the 40th time in Munich. Under the motto "Own it!", #MTM40 appeals to the media industry to shape its own future: with courage toward digital sovereignty, technological independence, and a renewed sense of self-confidence. The speaker lineup for 2026 includes Marco Giordani, Group CEO of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE, as well as former MEP and tech expert Marietje Schaake.
The main event location is the House of Communication in Munich. New in this anniversary year: two additional locations have been added in the adjacent Werksviertel district—Werk1.4 and the TECHNIKUM.
Theme and First Highlight Speakers of #MTM40
“The theme ‘Own it!’ bridges the gap between the power of major players, AI tools, and the value of journalistic craftsmanship,” says Stefan Sutor, Managing Director of Medien.Bayern and organizer of MEDIENTAGE München. “It is our appeal to the industry to make its strengths visible and take responsibility for the future of media.” How can media outlets regain control when algorithms and AI-generated answers dominate the market? How can artificial intelligence evolve from a disruptive trend into a self-determined standard tool? Will human creativity and journalistic quality become the key unique selling proposition once again? These questions will be discussed at MEDIENTAGE München 2026.
Dr. Thorsten Schmiege, President of the Bayerische Landeszentrale für Neue Medien (BLM) and Chairman of the Shareholders’ Meeting of Medien.Bayern, will open the 40th MEDIENTAGE. “‘Own it!’ sets a clear agenda for media policy, the industry, and regulatory bodies: digital sovereignty won’t just be handed to us. In Europe, we need to start actively shaping our own media and technological future. That is what we want to discuss at MEDIENTAGE: power and responsibility, but also fair rules, the courage to innovate, and forward-looking regulation.”
Political journalist Eva Schulz will moderate the opening session—the MEDIENTAGE Summit. Other initial confirmed speakers include Bavarian Prime Minister Dr. Markus Söder, RTL CCO Inga Leschek, LEONINE CEO Fred Kogel, AI expert Marie Kilg, ZEIT Editor-in-Chief Jochen Wegner, author and journalist Ingrid Brodnig, content creator Fabian Grischkat, technology philosopher Prof. Shannon Vallor, MEP Alexandra Geese, media scholar Prof. Dr. Bernhard Pörksen, medical ethicist Prof. Dr. Alena Buyx, and Katja Hofem, Vice President Content DACH at NETFLIX.
Seven Stages and New Locations in the Werksviertel
For the 40th anniversary, the focus is on growth. The House of Communication offers participants an additional stage as well as larger expo and networking areas. The “Umadum” Ferris wheel in the surrounding Werksviertel will once again serve as a high-altitude talk location in 2026. With two new locations in Munich’s Werksviertel, MEDIENTAGE is reinforcing its decentralized concept and expanding its offerings.
The free career experience fair Media For You (MFY)—previously held at the House of Communication—is moving to Werk 1.4 and the TECHNIKUM. In addition to interactive Media Spaces and workshops, these venues will feature the MFY Stage, where creators and media idols will speak about education and career advancement, sharing their experiences on starting out in the media industry. Another #MTM40 highlight is the new Meetup Stage, also located at TECHNIKUM: communities are invited to host meetups for the first time and bring fresh ideas to the stage—free of charge for participants.
In total, the conference will feature more than 350 speakers across over 100 panels, talks, masterclasses, and meetups across four different locations, complemented by various side events and award ceremonies. The Blauer Panther – TV & Streaming Award will take place alongside the Nacht der Medien on October 21, 2026, at BMW Welt in Munich. Furthermore, the International Eyes & Ears Awards will once again be hosted as part of the conference. These awards will be presented on October 20—the eve of #MTM40—at the ASTOR Film Lounge in the ARRI building.
Tickets for MEDIENTAGE München 2026 are available now.
Über die MEDIENTAGE München
Die MEDIENTAGE München sind eine der führenden Medienfachkonferenzen in Europa, die Trends, Innovationsthemen und aktuelle Herausforderungen der Branche diskutieren. Veranstalter ist die Medien.Bayern GmbH (Geschäftsführung: Stefan Sutor (Vors.), Annette Kümmel). Die MEDIENTAGE München werden unterstützt von der Bayerischen Staatskanzlei und der Bayerischen Landeszentrale für neue Medien (BLM).