My Final Reflection

The opportunity to visit various media establishments has given me thorough insight into the world of journalism here. Munich is home to an array of distinguished outlets, characterised by their particular audience and function within the media system. Despite their differences, I believe they are interdependent and collectively need one another to provide us with the valuable news we consume.  

It was interesting to observe the traditional approach to journalism through our first field trip to Münchner Merkur. The visit illustrated to me the necessity of regional news publishers and the irreplaceable role they play. While Merkur’s presence may not be internationally recognised, this does not preoccupy them. The press house has a clear understanding of their purpose in acting as a representative of local matters. Individuals rely on their journalistic power to shed light on community themes, and I think this has established a strong sense of trust between Merkur and their readers.

In contrast, our final trip to Media Lab offered an innovative, experimental approach to the challenges confronting journalism today. By providing pathways to transform an idea into a concrete startup, they simultaneously help form the foundations for the future of media. An initiative I found particularly memorable was centered on making news content more accessible for small communities that speak regional dialects. The project focused on using AI to translate publications into Plattdeutsch, promoting exposure of contemporary issues. I thought this was a meaningful way to prevent knowledge limitations within subgroups, and demonstrated the importance of sharing news beyond the confines of linguistic ability.

Using this sentiment, I believe that accessibility and inclusivity in journalism is something media organisations must not neglect. Digital platforms are evolving to meet the needs of our generation, while print houses such as Süddeutsche Zeitung work to maintain longevity with their readers. However, a plethora of demographics are left unattended- namely groups who could feel overlooked due to language, geographic or educational constraints. During Felix Haselsteiner’s visit, he mentioned that newspapers were originally designed to be a homeplace. I hope this notion can be cultivated with time, and the future of journalism can act as a source of both knowledge and belonging.