Founded in 1954, the KAS is a private, non-profit foundation seeking to promote liberal democracy, constitutional government, and a social market economy. The life and political convictions of Konrad Adenauer, the first chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, guide the foundation's work as it provides assistance to more than 200 political, economic, and social development programs in over a hundred countries worldwide.

The Ateneo de Manila University was founded by the priests of the Society of Jesus in 1859. From its beginnings as a primary school, the Ateneo grew into a university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts and sciences and professional programs in management, law, education, and government. The Ateneo has nurtured a tradition of excellence that has kept it in the forefront of achievement and innovations in education.

Recognizing its history and track record, the KAS Asian Media Project began collaborations with the Ateneo Department of Communication in 1998. Initial joint projects such as research and training programs led to the concept of a regional continuing center for journalism education embodied in the CFJ. Today, the Department of Communication administers the M.A. Journalism program.