DAY 4: Great media day
Today was a great media visit day.
Both the ZDF and DPA were very enlightening. I am so grateful for the experience we had at the ZDF. I don’t know if we would ever be able to get up close and personal with TV personalities like those we met. I was so surprised that Wulf Schmiese gave of his time to speak to us.
He had great poise and charisma – I could learn a thing or two from him. Even in a high-pressure situation, he was calm and diverted the conversation without being obvious. He also said that it is important in broadcasting to explain what people are saying without asking them to elaborate. I related this to print journalism in that everything needs to be spelled out and it requires some research on the reporter’s side before and after.
After reading his bio, I wanted to ask him about his passion for journalism and if he had any advice for upcoming journalists because I too will be working for my local paper. But I probably should have asked them separately!
After that visit I knew for sure that broadcasting wasn’t for me (even though I never really considered it anyway). I was so nervous sitting on the stage with the lights blaring. It’s just not for me, although it was a great experience.
Later I bought some fancy truffles for my boyfriend’s mom – one thing that I could cross off my to-do list. Then we went to a delicious authentic German restaurant and ate outside in the sun. Our waiter was very helpful and down-to-earth, which made the experience all the better. I also tried the light beer and it was very tasty! It’s so strange drinking in another country before I turn 21.
DPA was our next stop. This was my favorite stop yet. I love how each of our hosts so far have been very laid back and eager to show us things. The newsroom was a sight to see in itself. Newsrooms in America should look more like this one. The openness yields transparency between the writers and editors and the set up of the different types of media managers together was very centralized and efficient.
I thought Connor asked a lot of good questions during the photography lecture. I remember Christian Rowekamp saying that if the DPA would take public photos and post them on social media like the AP, they would “lose everything.” It’s a very different business model, but I can imagine how it would work. It was also extremely interesting to hear them talk about the relatively “secretive” reputation it has with the public.
I loved this visit especially because of the eye-opening photos that they showed us and their preparedness for the lecture. I would love to work in such an open atmosphere some day, but I also don’t know how I feel about working to make the clients make money and only indirectly informing the public.
The Reichstag was also very beautiful and a good cultural experience. I was not expecting the inside to look like the outside. It was so modern. I can’t wait for the ancient castles in Munich!
Overall, I loved that we met some German celebrities in front of and behind the camera. The knowledge I acquired is something that can be discussed probably at more places than just your local “pub.” I will take it as a springboard for new ideas and discussions, starting tomorrow with Axel Springer.
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