Learning to See Journalism Everywhere

Looking back at this semester in Professional Communication in Munich, I realize that what changed the most was not what I knew about journalism, but how I see it now. What began as a series of blog assignments and field trips slowly became a deeper understanding of how professional journalism works in practice, how media institutions function in society, and how I position myself within this field for the future.

Before coming to Munich for my Erasmus, I was already studying Journalism and Audiovisual Communication in Spain. I was familiar with journalistic genres, ethics, and media structures. However, this course did not feel like repeating theory. Instead, it allowed me to observe journalism in real environments and understand how those theoretical principles are applied in daily professional routines.

A key part of this learning process was practicing the three journalistic forms: interview, reportage/feature, and opinion piece. Through these formats, I understood that journalism is not only about presenting facts, but about how you approach reality. Each assignment also reflected something I am personally passionate about: my interview with a sports journalist connected to my interest in sports journalism; my reportage about second-hand clothing linked to my interest in fashion; and my opinion piece about journalism as a marketing strategy brought together my fascination with advertising and communication. I realized that journalism is not distant from my interests, but rather the structure that can connect them all.

Beyond the topics themselves, I learned how to write more professionally as a journalist. I became much more aware of narrative techniques: how to start a text with a scene, how to integrate quotes naturally, how to structure information clearly, and how important it is to use sources, hyperlinks, and even my own photographs to support credibility. Through feedback and practice, I understood that professional journalism is built not only on content but also on structure, observation, and detail.

The field trips were, without doubt, the most impactful part of the semester. The visit to Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) was where I first clearly noticed the difference between journalism in Germany and in Spain. The level of organization, professionalism, and especially the funding model stood out. Knowing that every German household contributes financially to public broadcasting ensures independence from political and private interests in a way that felt very powerful. Watching a live radio broadcast and observing the coordination behind the scenes made me realize how much invisible work is behind media production.

At the Munich Science Communication Lab (MSCL), I discovered how journalism is closely linked to science communication and how important it is to translate complex knowledge into accessible information for society. This visit showed me that journalism also plays an educational role and is essential for connecting experts and the public.

Visits to Media School Bayern reinforced this idea of journalism as part of a broader educational and cultural system. I began to see media institutions not only as content producers but also as spaces for learning, training, and preserving knowledge for future generations.

Finally, the visit to Media Lab Bayern offered a completely different perspective. There, we explored start-ups, innovative media ideas, and the entrepreneurial side of communication. This experience felt very close to my interests in marketing, advertising, and digital communication. It showed me that journalism today is not limited to traditional newsrooms but is also present in creative, technological, and experimental environments.

Academically, this course reinforced the importance of ethics and responsibility in journalism. Learning about the German Press Code, Article 5 of the Basic Law, verification processes, independence, and the role of journalists as watchdogs of society gave deeper meaning to concepts I already knew. Discussions about social media, misinformation, AI, and declining trust in media also made me aware of the current challenges journalism faces and the importance of maintaining credibility in a digital age.

Personally, this semester changed the way I consume media. Now, when I read an article or listen to the radio, I automatically pay attention to the structure, the placement of quotes, the clarity of sources, and the narrative choices. I no longer see journalism as simple information, but as a carefully constructed process that requires responsibility, creativity, and critical thinking.

Based on what I observed throughout these months, I believe the future of journalism will be strongly connected to technology, innovation, and marketing. Media institutions like Media Lab Bayern and Media School Bayern represent this direction, where digital tools, creativity, and entrepreneurship play an increasing role. However, despite these changes, the core principles of journalism; truth, verification, independence, and responsibility, must remain unchanged.

As I say goodbye to this course and to my experience in Munich, I take with me not only new knowledge, but also a new way of observing media, communication, and the essential role journalism plays in society.