What I Learned in Munich

During my stay in Germany, one of the most meaningful experiences was learning about the German media ecosystem and reflecting on the challenges that media industries are facing today. Before coming to Germany, I had an impression that Germany had a very stable and advanced media environment, especially because of its strong public broadcasting system and long history of media institutions. However, after visiting several media organizations, including Radio LORA and Mediaschool Bayern, I realized that the reality of the media industry is much more complicated. Even countries with well-established media systems are facing difficulties, and maintaining a sustainable media environment requires continuous effort from many people.

Among the places I visited, Radio LORA was one of the organizations that left the strongest impression on me. As a non-profit community radio station, Radio LORA operates differently from commercial media companies. Instead of focusing mainly on profit, it aims to provide a platform for various social groups and voices that are often overlooked by mainstream media. I found this approach very meaningful because it showed me that media can have a social role beyond simply delivering information. Media can become a space where communities communicate, where different opinions can be shared, and where people who may not have enough representation can make their voices heard.

I was also impressed by the passion of the people working at Radio LORA. Although the organization faces many practical challenges, including financial limitations and the changing media environment, the staff members continue their work because they believe in the value of what they are doing. Seeing their dedication made me realize that media is not only maintained by large companies or government systems, but also by individuals who genuinely care about the importance of communication and public interest.

My visit to Mediaschool Bayern gave me another perspective on the future of media. The organization focuses on media education and helps young people develop practical skills needed in the changing media industry. What I found interesting was that even though the future of traditional media is uncertain, there are still organizations investing in the next generation of media professionals. This showed me that preparing for the future of media is not only about creating new technologies or platforms, but also about supporting and educating people who will create media in the future.

One of the biggest lessons I gained from these experiences was that Germany is also facing many problems similar to those in Korea. Before visiting Germany, I assumed that Germany’s media environment would be much more stable because of its strong public broadcasting system. However, I learned that German media organizations are also struggling with issues such as declining traditional media consumption, competition with global digital platforms, and financial difficulties. In this sense, the challenges of the media industry are not limited to one country but are global issues that many societies need to address together.

At the same time, I realized that these organizations continue to exist because there are still people who are passionate about media and people who are willing to support and invest in these institutions. Their commitment is what allows many non-profit media organizations to continue operating despite difficult conditions. However, I also felt that their long-term sustainability is still uncertain. Passion and dedication are important, but they alone cannot solve all structural problems. More efforts will be necessary to create sustainable financial models, attract new audiences, and redefine the role of media in the digital age.

This experience changed the way I view media. Before, I mainly thought of media as an industry that produces and distributes content. However, through this experience, I came to understand that media is also a social institution that plays an important role in connecting people and supporting democracy. A healthy media ecosystem cannot be built only through market competition. It requires cooperation between media organizations, audiences, educators, and society as a whole.

As my time in Munich comes to an end, I have mixed emotions. I feel sad because I have to leave a city where I created many meaningful memories and experienced things that I could not have encountered in Korea. At the same time, I feel grateful because this period allowed me to grow personally and academically. Living abroad pushed me to see the world from different perspectives and helped me better understand not only German society but also my own interests and goals.

I believe this experience will remain an important foundation for my future. I will return to Korea with new perspectives on media and a deeper understanding of the challenges and possibilities within the industry. Although the future of media is uncertain, my time in Germany taught me that change is created by people who continue to care, work, and believe in the value of media. I hope to carry this attitude with me and apply what I have learned from this experience to my future path.