DevelopWell

What began on May 3, 1953, with a simple radio address by then-West German President Theodor Heuss, has since evolved into one of the world's most respected international public broadcasters. Deutsche Welle, or DW, was born from a desire to reconnect Germany with the global community after the turmoil of World War II. Its initial mission was to convey the values of the young Federal Republic of Germany to the world, broadcasting exclusively in German via shortwave radio. This was more than just a news service; it was a bridge, a 'German Wave' reaching out across borders to foster understanding and present a new, democratic Germany. The early years saw rapid expansion, with the first foreign language services in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese being added as early as 1954. This multilingual approach became a cornerstone of DW's identity, a commitment to speaking to the world in its own languages. By the end of 2021, this had grown to an impressive 32 languages, a testament to its enduring mission of global dialogue.

The journey of Deutsche Welle is a story of constant adaptation and innovation. From its origins in shortwave radio, produced in its Bonn headquarters, DW embraced television broadcasting, with production centered in Berlin. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and German reunification in 1990 marked a pivotal moment, as DW absorbed parts of East Germany's international broadcaster, Radio Berlin International, inheriting staff, facilities, and frequencies. The digital age brought another wave of transformation. In 1994, DW became the first German public broadcaster to launch a website, recognizing the power of the internet to reach a global audience directly. This forward-thinking approach has continued, with a strong focus on digital and social media platforms to counter censorship and provide access to independent information in regions where it is most needed. Today, DW is a truly multimedia organization, delivering news, in-depth analysis, and cultural programming through television, radio, its website, and a wide array of social media channels. It also runs the DW Akademie, a leading center for international media development and journalism training, empowering media professionals worldwide and strengthening the human right to freedom of expression.