Fourth Estate

Global media is changing by the day. Fourth Estate is where the world’s leading journalists explore what’s happening now and envisage the next leap forward.

Join them in Rio de Janeiro next April.

Marcelly Setúbal, reporter, Globo News, on stage at Web Summit Rio
Marcelly Setúbal
Reporter | Globo News

What’s happening?

As the media continues to evolve, Fourth Estate gathers those at the frontlines to discuss what’s next. We’ll examine the industry across the spectrum – from the stalwarts of traditional media to the figures pioneering the fight for something new.

Your Web Summit Rio ticket gives you access to all masterclasses and roundtables at the event, as well as to talks on Fourth Estate and 15-plus other tracks.

Katie Prescott, Technology Business Editor, The Times, on Centre Stage during day two of Web Summit Rio 2023 at Riocentro in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Laura Bonilla, Editor-in-chief for Latin America, AFP, on Centre Stage during day two of Web Summit Rio 2023 at Riocentro in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Venture Stage during day one of Web Summit Rio 2023 at Riocentro in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tech and news

From ink and print to the almighty algorithm, where is tech taking us next in the world of news creation and consumption? Dive into some of journalism’s biggest topics, including generative AI, process automation and re-energizing the fourth estate.

Three solid triangles pointing right sitting on top of a solid background.
Reaching new audiences

How can journalists and storytellers ensure that a new generation of digital consumers will read their stories? Is the idea of representation rewriting what makes the news and why? Discover how diversity and inclusion can build audience trust and translate to new revenue streams.

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Credibility in an age of misinformation

There has been a global drop in institutional trust, and journalists are on the frontline of the new culture wars and toxic online discourse. How can media organizations win audience trust and provide fact-based news coverage in a fragmented digital landscape?

News monetization

What price are you willing to pay for high quality journalism? There appears to be no easy answer, as news organizations continue to struggle with digital business models and print continues to disappear. Experts explore the best approaches to monetization.

Meet the media speakers who joined us in 2024

Peter Prengaman
Peter Prengaman
Global Climate and Environmental News DirectorAssociated Press
Renata Lo Prete
Renata Lo Prete
AnchorGlobo
Greg Williams
Greg Williams
Deputy Global Editorial DirectorWired
Cristina Criddle
Cristina Criddle
Technology CorrespondentFinancial Times
Fabricio Drumond
Fabricio Drumond
President of New VenturesAxios
Nuno Santos
Nuno Santos
Executive DirectorCNN Portugal
Laura Bonilla
Laura Bonilla
Editor-in-chief for Latin AmericaAgence France-Presse (AFP)
Pedro Doria
Pedro Doria
Co-founder & Editor-in-chiefMeio
Maria Lorente
Maria Lorente
South America DirectorAFP
Murilo Garavello
Murilo Garavello
Content DirectorUOL

Companies that attend

"Journalism has always benefitted from technology."

Ricardo Costa, Editor-in-chief, Sociedade Independente de Comunicação (SIC), on Fourth Estate Stage during day one of Web Summit 2023 at the Altice Arena in Lisbon

– Ricardo Costa, Editor-in-chief, Sociedade Independente de Comunicação (SIC)

“You don’t lose by being firm and speaking your mind.”

Kara Swisher, Executive Editor, Recode, on Centre Stage during day two of Web Summit

–  Kara Swisher, Editor-at-large, Recode

“Are we making sure our report is actually for the people we are trying to reach?”

Julia Pace, Executive Editor, AP

–  Julia Pace, Executive Editor, AP

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