Navigating disruption

In 2025 the world was confronted by intense disruption.  

The rules-based international order was attacked more than ever before, and in the eyes of some it already became defunct. As liberal democracies struggled to find adequate responses, democratic backsliding and populist-induced polarisation became apparent in more and more countries. This is deeply worrying for all those who value democracy, rule of law, solidarity and pluralism. 

Technological disruption also intensified. The adoption of AI progressed at unprecedented speed. The current pace leaves us little time to think through its societal and even civilisational implications, although we will have to face them soon enough. This technological disruption also led to the accumulation of immense power in the hands of a few tech giants. Adequate regulation of these globally systemic corporations, whose vast scale and influence make them disproportionately powerful in our society, has been rebuffed for too long under the mantra of “not stifling innovation”.  

Our European societies will be forced to adapt to the consequences of these disruptions, which they have not initiated themselves. This means, of course, a determination to seize the opportunities they are creating but also the need to actively manage their risks and, where possible, counteract their adverse effects. 

Strong, free and trusted news media are essential to help citizens and society to navigate through this perfect storm.  

At Mediahuis, we see it as our purpose to create the conditions for such news media to remain viable and relevant, despite growing obstacles. We are proud that in only 12 years since its creation, Mediahuis has become one of the most significant European news publishers, as well as a financially strong enterprise capable of attracting top talent. And we have nurtured a number of successful adjacent businesses that enable additional value creation and strategic diversification.