De Publiekstreffer emerged from the Dutch SVDJ incubator 2025 and is being continued by Evelien Kunst and Stephanie Bakker. Central to this innovation process was the question: how do we involve the public in journalism? For Bakker and Kunst, it quickly became clear that it is the other way around: how does journalism become involved with the public again? The answer is De Publiekstreffer, a bridge between engaged people from underrepresented communities and journalism. Stephanie Bakker works as a freelance journalist on long-term multimedia projects that make societal perspectives visible. Drawing on her practice, she advocates for journalism that structurally gives space to more voices and is truly connected to the public, with a focus on constructive journalism, co-creation, and innovative storytelling forms.
With Evelien Kunst and Stephanie Bakker
Listening is one of the most important qualities of a journalist. But how do you listen? Do you only hear what you want to hear? Or are you open to new perspectives? De Publiekstreffer’s Walk & Listen is an exercise that focuses on listening without an agenda and being fully present in the moment.