Social cohesion in a society of immigrants depends on the media. How people view one another depends on the images they are presented with. Radio, television, social media and print media are forums for controversial debates on migration, integration and cultural diversity. How the media address these issues determines whether the discourse is shaped by information or disinformation, context or distortion. And this has a direct impact on humanity and civility. In other words, the work of the media can either promote hatred and incitement or counteract these phenomena.

It is against this backdrop that the CIVIS Media Foundation is active. At the heart of its work lies the European CIVIS Media Prize for Integration and Cultural Diversity, which annually honours outstanding contributions in television, radio, the internet and cinema. In addition, CIVIS organises media dialogues and connects media professionals, academics, political decision-makers and civil society institutions.