In September 2024, the new House for Journalism and Public Sphere, Publix, was officially opened in the presence of numerous guests from politics, business, and the media. An Open House weekend invited the wider public to discover the building. Its mission: Publix is dedicated to strengthening journalism and thus fostering an informed public, providing media literacy for everyone, and supporting civil society with expertise, networks, and visibility.
A year later, Publix has firmly established itself in Berlin as a place where media professionals, civil society organizations, and engaged citizens come together to shape the future of democracy and public life. More than twenty permanent »residents« are now based in the building, including organizations such as Correctiv, More in Common, Netzwerk Recherche, Reporter ohne Grenzen, JX Fund and the Media Forward Fund.
Ideal Conditions for Media Professionals
Spread across 4,000 square meters and several floors, Publix offers offices, co-working spaces, guest rooms, video and audio studios, a canteen, and spacious event areas. The co-working space is designed for anyone looking for a well-equipped workplace combined with opportunities for productive work and inspiring exchange. What makes it special – alongside its proximity to the community – is access to the house’s infrastructure, which includes recording studios, a bicycle garage, and a diverse range of events that co-workers can benefit from.
The video and audio studios are open not only to residents but can also be booked by external users. Whether for video shoots, livestreams, or high-quality audio productions – the studios enable versatile use. Additional facilities include rooms for post-production as well as spaces for directing and make-up. Productions already realized here include the audiobook »Die lila Eule« by Cordt Schnibben, the Full Stack Journalism live podcast by Sabrina Faramarzi, and the ZDF documentary »Die Wahrheit über die Rente« (The Truth About Pensions) by the production company Tell Me Why. On the top floor, the Publix Guesthouse offers nine individually designed rooms. Larger rooms can also be transformed into meeting spaces if needed.
Yet Publix is more than a professional hub – it also opens its doors to the neighborhood. On the ground floor, Buckel & Partner operate a restaurant serving fresh lunches. Visitors are equally welcome to stop by for a coffee, with seating available in the foyer or on the terrace overlooking the former Protestant cemetery.
The event spaces on the ground floor can be rented for gatherings related to journalism, digital media, and civil society. The Publix team supports the organization of events. In addition to the foyer, there is a large conference room and the so-called »Box« – a separate area with a panoramic window facing Hermannstraße. Since its opening, Publix has hosted numerous conferences, workshops, and events with renowned guests and speakers – including the SocialSummit organized by neues handeln and the jointly designed European Press Prize conference on the future of journalism.
A Place for Public Debate
A central pillar of Publix is its program of public events. The regular »Publix Thursdays« – curated by artistic director Maria Exner and her team – include readings, book launches, lectures, and discussions on topics such as digital technologies and journalism, media literacy, public opinion formation and democracy.
In 2025, Publix once again hosted an Open House with activities for adults, children, and young people, featuring contributions both from Publix itself and from its resident organizations. At the end of June, more than 1,000 visitors came to discover Publix and its community under the motto »Improving the Media«.
Those who wish to support the vision and work of Publix can join the Friends of Publix – a community of individuals and institutions committed to its mission. More information is available here.