What I learned from Munich 

As time goes by, life in Munich has come to an end. Initially, my goal was simple: coming from fast-paced Taipei and Singapore, I wanted to experience the slower pace of life in Europe and meet new people. Since my major was International Business, taking a communication course was completely new to me and a challenge. To be honest, I had no idea what was going to happen. But now, it has completely changed the way I see media and journalism.

Stepping Behind the Scenes

Before this course, my understanding of media was primarily theoretical. I thought all media organizations just aimed to reach the largest possible audience and produce high-quality content. But stepping out of the classroom and visiting local media organizations completely changed this perception. My visit to LORA radio station was particularly memorable. Stepping into their cozy little space, I saw another side of broadcasting. LORA is run by a group of passionate volunteers dedicated to giving voice to ordinary people. Hearing programs like “Beautiful Stutter,” I realised that the most important role of media isn’t always to reach a large audience, but to provide a safe and inclusive space for minority groups and communities often overlooked by mainstream media.

On the other hand, visiting the Bavarian School of Media and Journalism (M94.5) showed me the power of systematic journalism education. It was amazing to see how institutional funding creates a creative “sandbox” that gives young creators the “right to fail.” They can try new podcast formats or film ideas without the pressure of commercial metrics. Visiting these two very different places made me realize that media is a diverse ecosystem, and each institution plays a unique social role.

Learnings and My Resume 

These experiences significantly boosted my professional resume and personal growth. Most importantly, the course enhanced my media literacy. In today’s world, understanding the production, dissemination, and funding sources of information is crucial. When we studied LORA’s financial difficulties and the “echo chamber” risk faced by the student-run M94.5, I learned to critically analyze communication structures. Besides, the high level of trust in German public broadcasting also impressed me a lot. In my home country, Taiwan, a lot of fake news keeps coming out, gradually eroding the public’s trust in the media. But in Germany, there are many relevant laws to ensure the news is real and trustworthy. 

Furthermore, entering a completely new field forced me to improve my cross-cultural communication skills and step out of my comfort zone. I needed to research local German media practices and discuss and share ideas with people from various countries. The ability to identify misinformation, understand different audiences, and craft compelling, empathetic stories is an incredibly valuable soft skill.

Moving Ahead

Looking ahead, the media industry is undergoing a massive transformation, especially in new technologies and the day-to-day operations of journalism.

Traditional radio and television are facing significant challenges due to technological advancements. Our generation gets almost all of our information by scrolling through TikTok or Instagram Reels or by listening to podcasts on our commutes. Therefore, the biggest challenge for media outlets like Radio Lora is surviving in an algorithm-driven world. How can they successfully launch on digital platforms and attract a younger audience without losing their authenticity and warmth? Media organizations must find ways to leverage new technologies, rather than letting algorithms dictate their focus.

All in all, the whole journey in Munich not only gave me a new vision of the media and journalism industry but also helped me develop stronger problem-solving skills. And the most precious thing is having built many international friendships, knowing how they think and how they interpret their own thoughts. I believe these experiences will be the foundation for future development, no matter which country or industry.