Journalism: the Sleeping Giant

This semester’s “Media Institutions in Munich” seminar has been more than just a series of visits; it’s been a profound immersion, offering a clear view into the beating heart of Bavarian news. From the innovation of Media School Bayern to the political views of Süddeutsche Zeitung and the local emphasis of Münchner Merkur, each stop illuminated the dedication, purpose, and evolving challenges faced by those who craft our daily narrative.

One of my first visits, this time to Münchner Merkur, cast a bright spotlight on the often-underestimated power of local journalism. In an age dominated by national and international headlines, it’s easy to overlook the critical work done by local journalism. Münchner Merkur dedicates itself to regional politics and social issues, maintaining a robust presence across Bavaria’s rural and suburban landscapes. This consistent, localized coverage is key for making citizens engaged and informed about issues that directly impact their daily lives, from city council debates to community events. It is, unequivocally, the basis of a healthy democracy, ensuring that voices often unheard on larger platforms have something to say.

Stepping into Media School Bayern felt like entering a vibrant workshop for the future. This isn’t just a school; it’s more than an NGO. Watching young, aspiring journalists in their “live laboratories” –producing content for non-commercial stations like M94.5— underscored the invaluable nature of practical experience. Their focus on cross-media skills and digital fluency, including the seamless integration of social media, reveals a forward-thinking approach, essential for navigating today’s versatile media consumption. Here, learning by doing isn’t just a slogan.

The scent of ink at the Süddeutsche Zeitung printery was a tangible connection to the production of one of Germany’s most influential dailies. Yet, beyond the impressive machinery, it was the paper’s clear progressive-liberal stance that truly touched me. SZ proudly positions itself centre-left, a foundational element that shapes its editorial line and coverage. Some even lightheartedly refer to it as Bavaria’s “only meaningful opposition”, given the state’s historically conservative political leanings. The SZ’s liberal and progressive values speak volumes about its contribution to Munich’s democratic landscape, offering a whole different view and discourse that –if I’m honest– I hadn’t thought of before. While its strong alignment might invite critique from some, it undeniably provides a distinct and consistent voice, confronting –with a ligh-hearted tone– issues; from social justice to climate rights and human-centric policies.

So, let’s wrap up with my views on the future of journalism. First, even with a potential AI outbreak, the times we live in are filled with opportunity. We should rethink storytelling, always from an ethical perspective. AI’s meant to assist journalists with research and production, rather than usurping –or what’s worse, substitute– the human essence of critical thinking. For a robot won’t be able to clarify most issues in the complex societal landscape that we live in, which is more complex than it appears.

Secondly, –I might get cooked for this– I’ve learnt an unvaluable lesson: the hunger for local news is growing at the speed of light. The future of journalism should prioritize and invest heavily in hyperlocal reporting. This means cultivating stronger community ties, rewarding citizen journalism, and utilizing digital platforms to enhance dialogue at the roots of society: its smaller communities. By this I mean towns, shires, and neighborhoods. Let’s be honest: who hasn’t felt pride when your city or town appears in TV? With this information/feelings at hand, we can truly empower citizens, fortify local democracies, and begin the vital work of rebuilding a long lost trust –which AI is pretty much guilty of– in media.

Following this line, whilst it’s true that fake news has eroded trust in the media, its bias has also been a decisive factor. People have been gradually polarizing, and it’s time to put an end to this reality. As journalists —especially now with the rise of AI—, we should emphasize media transparency and objectivity as the only pill capable of healing the distrust and framing that people unconsciously suffer. While social media algorithms cannot be controlled, at least the media must make an effort to report the facts as they are, for the good of the people and also the journalistic profession.

Concluding, the future of journalism demands an equilibrium: embracing AI whilst fiercely safeguarding the foundational principles of objectiveness, independence, and service. It means being agile enough to adapt to ever-shifting media landscape change, but genuinely connecting as well with diverse communities, and courageous enough to hold power accountable. My journey through Bavaria has cemented this vision, proving that the spirit of journalism is not just alive, but actively evolving, at least in me!