FIAT/IFTA World Conference 2025

In times of political uncertainty—where democratic values are increasingly under pressure—public and independent media become especially vulnerable. Precisely in these moments, the role of archives becomes more vital than ever: to document, to preserve, and to provide context. Archives know that history is never singular nor neutral; it is shaped by those who record it. Today, more than ever, archives are called upon to act as custodians and safe havens of media heritage.

This growing responsibility raises urgent questions: How can we ensure the long-term safety and accessibility of our collections, regardless of political or technological shifts? What strategic decisions must we make to maintain autonomy over our infrastructure and data?

Technologically, the dominance of Big Tech—both in hardware and software—challenges our ability to maintain independence. AI companies are eager to access the vast datasets archives hold. But if we lean too heavily on commercial platforms, do we risk compromising our public values? On the other hand, can smaller, European-based alternatives scale up fast enough to handle the volumes and complexities we face?

At Sound & Vision, we’ve encountered these dilemmas firsthand. In this session, we’ll present real-world cases and frameworks that help inform decisions about infrastructure, partnerships, and digital sovereignty.

Just as critical—if not more so—are the political dimensions of autonomy. What does it take for archives to remain politically independent in increasingly polarized societies? And what strategic choices must be made today to ensure that media history remains preserved and accessible tomorrow?

Through concrete examples and an open discussion, we aim to equip participants with insights into the multifaceted choices that shape the future of archive management.