Amongst other issues raised, Bettermann gives reasons for his institution's organisation of the Global Media Forum, which was in its second edition, the relevance why Germany must be well represented in the international competition for opinions, the digital divide still existing between the North and the South, despite the enthusiasm being demonstrated in the coming of bright new media in the world, such as the mobile phone as a reporting/journalistic tool, twitters, face books, blogging and more.

Earlier in the opener of the Global Forum 2009, Bettermann told the 1482 participants, from across the world that they have come to Bonn to discuss common cultural differences. While expressing the worry that people were still in conflicts, the Deutsche Welle CEO made a plea to media men and women to not only cover the damages incurred during turbulent times but to also pursue conflict prevention measures. Bettermann enjoined journalists to reconcile old and new forms of media, doing so with a deep sense of responsibility.

The Deutsche Welle boss was confident that journalists are on the right track but will quickly recommend more training opportunities for media people. To media men and women, across the globe, who are been muzzled because of their opinions, ideas and thoughts, Bettermann called for dialogue. “We've to speak to each other”, he said.