Day 5 – CM

May 16, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

5-16-13

 

Today we visited Axel Springer, a media company in Berlin that not only produces media but trains journalists at the Axel Springer Academy.  The group met students from the program, and an editor of one of Axel Springer’s papers Die Welt.  I enjoyed learning about this paper because as opposed to trying to keep papers in print, Die Welt is embracing technology and having success with digital circulation.  It will be interesting to see how Die Welt continues to adapt to new technologies, and if other papers will follow their lead.

 

Tomorrow we leave for Munich.  It’s been gnarly Berlin! I’ll be back again someday.

Filed Under: Blogs, Connor Mulvaney ·

Lights, camera, action.

May 16, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

Today we had the opportunity to be a part of a live German television morning show on the major German channel, ZDF. I was originally apprehensive about being on TV, however it turned out to be a pretty cool experience. Seeing how the cameras move around and how the anchors interact with them was interesting to me personally because I have absolutely no production background. It was all new, exciting and glamorous to this Advertising and PR major.

Ironically however, after today’s presentations from Wulf Schmiese at ZDF as well as Christian Rowekamp  and Michael Kappeler at Deutsche Presse I started to rethink my major, quite honestly. The way these men talked about journalism, on two very different fronts, with such passion was inspiring to me. The way Mr. Schmiese had just the perfect metaphors to describe his profession and the way Mr. Rowekamp and Mr. Kappeler exuded passion for their news wire service sparked something in me that I definitely want to explore more. This is something I can not only see myself doing, but see myself loving. Mr. Schmiese described journalism as a way to stimulate and maintain a well-working democracy, which is something I am very passionate about changing in the US. This was definitely my favorite and most stimulating day of visits so far. It is unbelievable to think that these hugely successful people and media outlets have been so accommodating and excited to tell us about what they do and I feel privileged to be a part of it.

After the visits, the group took a tour of the Reichstag building where we listened to an audio guide while climbing up a spiral shaped dome with an amazing view of Berlin. At the top, was a place you could lay back and look at the sky through an open skylight. It was fun to sit back relax and spend a little down time with the group. I feel like we are getting to know each other better, which is making this trip even more unforgettable.

To top off a wonderful day, a few of us went out to a little restaraunt and bar called White Trash (a sort of unfortunate name, but one of the most fun places we have been so far). We had some delicious burgers (my first in about a year and a few months and Richelle’s first EVER) and a blast dancing to some good American music at this quirky little hole-in-the-wall. I would recommend this place to anyone traveling to Berlin and would love to go back!

Until next time! Ciao!

Michelle

Filed Under: Blogs, Michelle Graessle ·

New Lessons

May 15, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

Any trip to a different country will be filled with new and educational experiences.  Some of these experiences will be completely unexpected and different than anything you may have imagined.

When we were going to visit Berlin’s ZDF, I knew we were going to have a conference with morning show anchor, Wulf Schmiese. What I didn’t know, was that there would also be a group from Palestine. To be more clear, Palestinian students studying to be diplomats. I, like many Americans, have never had experience with Palestinians, but have some knowledge of conflicts involving them in the middle east. Today, what really hit me, was the fact that I realized most Americans do not have much knowledge of these events. Germans, along with most Europeans, even ones with less education, are somewhat familiar with this topic.

Today, marks the 65th anniversary of the creation of Israel and the displacement of Palestinians. This was discussed in our meeting with the foreign group, if not for that, I would not have no knowledge of this day in history. I consider myself a history buff, spending much time studying the subject. The fact that I had no knowledge of this surprised me. I have known that many Americans are not up to date on current world events, but I never considered myself to be one of them.

Today really opened my eyes to the ignorance of myself and many others. I would like to see us at a much higher level of understanding when it comes to current events. There is no excuse not to be, we have the technology and resources available. We, including myself, need to make sure to take advantage of what we have.

 

Filed Under: Blogs, Zack Durkin ·

Day four: ZRD, DPA, and Reichstag

May 15, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

Day four:

Berlin is a wonderful city. Each day I’m learning more about the media and falling more in love with the city. Despite being in the hospital yesterday, I was able to ventured out and go to the first media event at ZDF.

ZDF is the second German channel TV broadcast station. Our group actually got to be on live television for mo:ma-café. We also got to hear live performance by a top German singer, Frida Gold. It was very interesting to be on set with the hosts and crews.

Our group was lead by Wulf Schmiese, who is actually one of the hosts for mo: ma-café. He used to be a print journalist before transitioning into a presenter for TV broadcasting. Schmiese stressed the importance of research and the ability to write. He described the media as a salad, with some meaty parts. Our group discussion was with our host but also a group from Palestine  These women brought a strong viewpoint to the discussion to the group. Both Schmiese and the Palestinian group pointed out how different international things are being reported in the news.

The next media event was with Dutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA). Our hosts were Christian Rowekamp and Michael Kappeler.  DPA is a news wire that provides stories and photos for it customers. The interesting thing about DPA is that it customers are its owner. So the DPA is divided and used for the different media outlets in Germany. DPA stressed the importance of being independent, reliability and credible.

Reichstag. Berlin, Germany. My two roomies Marina, Alexa and myself.

Reichstag. Berlin, Germany. My two roomies Marina, Alexa and myself.

After both media events we were given free time for dinner. I went back to the hotel with Aimee to rest my foot and get some food. At 6:45 we all met in the lobby to go to Reichstag. Reichstag is an amazing building.

There is a glass dome at the top. You have to take an elevator to the dome but then walk to the top of the dome. I was ready for the challenge with my trusty crutches, which are now named Hansel and Gretel. I made my way to the top. First it took 20 minutes to walk to the top, but it was worth it. It has such a wonderful view and the dome has an open ceiling. When it rains, there is a huge metal bowl that catches the water and uses it for energy. It was worth the effort to make it to the top and it really makes you appreciate the small stuff.

Today was a good day. I got to learn about two media corporations and I got to see Reichstag. My foot didn’t cause me too many problems either.

Ready for the next day!

Carson

 

Filed Under: Blogs, Carson Allwes ·

“journalists will never be nerds”

May 15, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

International Media-Berlin, Germany

Wednesday May 15, 2013

 

I cannot believe that the trip is flying by so quickly, it feels like we just got here! Today was another fun filled and educational day in Berlin, Germany.  Starting off the day was much easier than it was yesterday because we all rested up.  Along with being well rested, the beautiful weather really made a difference on the day.

 

We started off the day with an AMAZING trip the ZDF.  Siting in the morning show audience was something that I will never forget because it really is a once in a lifetime opportunity.  Being on the set and so close to the hosts is something that is very different in the States.  The German Pop Star that played on the show was also amazing.  Her music had such a great beat and she seemed like she was having a lot of fun preforming.  After the morning show we got to have a conference with one of the hosts from the morning show.  He said so much funny puns and jokes that really added enthusiasm to the confrenece. It was really great that he took the time to sit down and talk to us.

 

We were able to have a little bit of free time in the middle of the day to grab lunch and do a little exploring.  We got to see this huge chocolate store that even had chocolate replicas of the Titanic!

 

DPA was our other media visit for the day.  This agency was really something different to learn about because we really don’t have much like it back in the States.  I loved the open office space and how the workers talked freely, if they wanted to, throughout their day.  That set up was much different from the average cubicle set up back home.  We were privileged to have an amazing photograph editor talk to us about some of his photos.  The photo that he took of the pope will be something that I will remember forever.

 

Later that night we went to the dome of the Reichstag building.  The building looked amazing on the outside, but once you climbed the top the outside seemed like nothing!  The view from the top was something out of a movie.  It would really be the perfect place to go on a date.  Andrea and  I sat in the dome, on the bench, for 40 minutes.  Time passed by so quickly!  We just looked up at the sky and clouds.

 

Today was another amazing day in Berlin, but I believe that I am ready to move on to Munich!

 

Xoxoxo

Katie

Filed Under: Blogs, Katie Pflug ·

Wednesday in Berlin

May 15, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

We had an incredibly early start today to be part of the audience for ZDF Redaktion Morgenmagazin, a morning magazine show, and it was definitely worth it. Not only did we participate as audience members, which the students can tell you more about, but we had several surprises. I sat with two lovely German women who despite our language difficulties (more mine than theirs) made me feel very welcome to their table and explained to me that all the pretty young women wearing German traditional garb and crowns were pageant contestants in a Bavarian wine festival. We met a group of intelligent and insightful young Palestinian women studying to be diplomats with their professor and a German foundation representative, and they joined us for a roundtable with Wulf Schmiese, one of the show’s presenters afterward.

First, he was incredibly candid with us and welcoming. Second, the Palestinian women asked him some great questions about German’s non-recognition of Palestine as a nation and not a territory, pressing him, ever so diplomatically, on the ties and relationship to Israel. We had a history lesson about their struggles, down to the significance of what they were wearing today  to commemorate the ouster of their family members  from their homeland in 1948. I told them I hoped they can change the world someday.

Wulf has made the switch from a print political journalist to broadcast television, and he was very frank with the us about how he had to learn, the differences in his work, and how he brings his writing and editing skills to better his performance. I find it so interesting that the broadcasters here call themselves presenters and not anchors. That’s a term I had not heard before.

Our next top at the Germany press agency dpa exceeded my expectations. I teach students every year in our Survey of Mass Communication class what a wire service or news agency is, and every year they don’t quite get it. I hope our students today understood what this fourth largest news service in the world does. It provides news, photographs, video, multimedia content to Germany and the world, working with German media, European news agencies, the Associated Press and Agence France Presse, as well as other clients.

Christian Rowekamp, head of corporate communication and a former dpa editor, and  Michael Kappeler, chief photographer, Berlin, thoroughly described the operations. Both were well prepared for our visit, graciously answered our questions and led us on a tour of their marvelous newsroom.

What stood out to me: Christian conveyed passionately that dpa plans to take its service to a higher level. Yes, dpa provides content, but it also strives to present the most credible, accurate and fast service to its clients, ensuring they inform the public on all matters.  This news service does not directly serve the public, but it takes its role across the nation and world seriously and has revamped its operations to include as much multimedia as possible and ensure that happens.  I always love listening to photographers, and Michael told us wonderful anecdotes about his work. We all enjoyed his retelling of covering Pope Benedict’s decision to resign and the election of the new pope. He decided to focus on the pope’s ring,  a piece of jewelry that was set to be destroyed with the election of the new pontiff. I know I have seen this photograph, possibly in Time magazine, and now I need to look for it again and see if his credit line is attached. As he explained he took a chance, striving for something that was creative and stood out, not just for him but for his news service and its clients.

We ended tonight with a visit to the Reichstag Rooftop Terrace and Dome, a perfect spot to view this gorgeous city on a warm May night. I loved learning more about this structure, which had burned right before Hitler came to power and was bombed heavily during World War II. The fact that this building was rebuilt paying homage to its past and creating a place that provides a beautiful panorama of the capital city speaks volumes to me about the resilience of the German people. Think about what they have lived through here: two world wars, a city and country divided, two dictatorships, and a Holocaust of unbelievable trauma and loss.

Before Jan and I had headed to a quick dinner in between the media visits and the Reichstag visit, I headed back to the Topographie of Terrors to finish what we had started on Monday night.  The display of the Nazi atrocities and attempted extermination of the Jews and other undesirables, the complicity of the German people in Hitler’s terrible vision of Aryan dominance,  and the inability of the Allies to end the war sooner and save these people from such a horrible fate is a must-see for everyone. I found myself fighting back tears several times as I studied the photographs and read the text. But I forced myself to get to the end, the Nuremberg trials and the execution of Nazi and Gestapo leaders.  So many of the guards and the secret police and military who carried out the murders of all these people still managed to find their way back into jobs and places in German society. Some escaped, too, and some committed suicide rather than face the trials.  The display explained to me why some still want to bring the now 80- to 90-year-old guards and officers to trial and justice for their horrible roles in this awful chapter in history. But will that ever be enough?

Filed Under: Blogs, Helen Fallon ·

We were on a live broadcast of German National TV

May 15, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

This morning we had to wake up very early. Today was the day that we went to ZDF, a television station here in Germany. The reason that we had to wake up so early was so that we could be on TV! Yes, we were on TV today. We got to sit in the live audience of their morning show, Moma Cafe. That was very interesting. I feel like it’s an exclusive thing to do, so what an amazing opportunity that was! The show happened very quick. I found the set up of the audience very interesting. We were all sitting at tables in the cafe. There was food and drink placed in front of us too.  We were so close to the talent! I thought we were going to be off stage on a bunch of risers as the audience.

After we sat in for the morning show.  We went on a quick tour of the studios and then we moved into a conference room to speak with Wulf Schmiese, the male talk show host for Moma Cafe. This was very interesting. We were also in the room with another tour group. They were from Palestine. Our questions and their questions were very different and everyone I spoke to about it felt tension in the room. We had questions relating to Wulf and his job, but the other group seemed to be pursuing an agenda. They definitely made him feel uncomfortable. One girl started her question out like, “Let me educate you first.” Saying that really sounded like she was trying to belittle him and then she just spoke about her cause. After her awkwardly answered her question, he turned to our group and asked us if we had anymore questions, because you could tell he was uncomfortable.

After this visit, we went to DPA, The Deutsche Presse. This was very interesting. What I found most interesting about this is that they don’t put news out for the public. They put news out for other newspapers and publications. This is what their main goal is. I thought that was very interesting.

I also continue to find myself more and more surprised about the German hospitality we are receiving. Every visit so far has offered us drink and sometimes even food! Deutsche Presse offered a lot of my German favorite chocolates.

Filed Under: Andrea Karsesnick, Blogs ·

DAY 4: Great media day

May 15, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

me with beerDAY 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.

Filed Under: Blogs, Marina Weis ·

Alexa’s Blog – Day 4

May 15, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

The following events transpired on 5/15/13.

Ah, another busy day in Berlin. Today was special because the weather was lovely – the sun was out and everything! That’s a huge change from the chill we’ve been dealing with since we arrived.

We started our day at ZDF sitting in on their late morning talk show, which was wonderful. The hosts seemed so laid back and the audience was calm and collected – the exact opposite of what American talk shows seem to be like. I couldn’t understand what was going on but I was able to get the gist of it from their visual aids. It hardly felt like we were on a television show at all. The set was so convincing as a cafe.

After sitting in on the show, we were able to get a short tour of the studio with a group of Palestinians followed by a meeting with Wulf Schmiese, one of the hosts. He is an insanely interesting guy with a background in hard news and it was different to see someone with his experience now hosting a talk show, of all things. It did get a bit awkward at a point because one of the Palestinian women proceeded to go into full-on lecture mode on poor Wulf over an issue in their country. I was impressed at how quickly Wulf bounced back from that and was able to give them an answer that turned things away from their struggle a bit.

After our ZDF visit concluded, we visited a chocolate shop and had lunch at Maximilian’s near the American district and enjoyed more wonderful German food. I was inclined to be cheap today so I played it safe with potato soup, cabbage salad and a beer. The food here hasn’t disappointed me yet.

Our big day continued with a visit to Deutsche Presse Agentur, where we had a meeting with Christian Rowekamp and Michael Keppler who talked about their mission to serve their clients before they served themselves. They had such a great perspective with DPA that was unfamiliar to me because they are so committed to being behind the scenes and staying there. I loved Michael’s photo of the Pope’s hand – I swear I’ve seen it before. I want to look for it online to see what American publications have featured it, because I know I’ve seen it before.

The DPA newsroom is exactly how I think a newsroom should look like. It’s separated yet open. Everyone in their own department but no one is confined into cubicles or on separate floors. I think that unity is important for all elements of news to flow together. It seems like everyone at DPA would be close knit for this reason.

After leaving DPA we headed back to the hotel where I caught up on some much needed rest. I ate leftovers and crashed on my bed. I definitely needed that recharge for the Reichstag visit.

The Reichstag was absolutely stunning. Places like these hold so much history and seem like they have a life of their own. The outside is beautiful. The inside is beautiful. I can’t say enough about this place. Historical sites are one thing that I prefer to do alone. I like having my own time to process all the information, read, analyze photographs, and just enjoy myself at my own pace. The photographs on the ground floor of the dome were so compelling. I was captivated by them, especially a photo of a young man carrying his bike through the hole in the Berlin Wall. There was another photograph with a caption that said: “NSDAP parliamentary group leaves the auditorium; only Joseph Goebbels remains as an observer.” How chilling.

Now that I have some time tonight relax and reflect before another crazy day tomorrow, it’s safe to say that I couldn’t be in Germany with better people. I was a bit nervous initially signing up for the class because I went in knowing one person, and I know that I’m inclined to be very quiet in class and not interact with anyone much. I find it difficult to talk to people. How am I going to go on a 12-day trip with people that I see in class once a week? Thankfully, everyone in this class is just awesome and we’re all pretty weird, which definitely helps. I speak sometimes, too! If anyone reads this, you are wonderful and don’t ever forget it!

Filed Under: Alexa Blanchard, Blogs · Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

Shokolade! 5.15.13

May 15, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

Wow what a day! This day was so jam packed with informational and interesting media visits. First we got an amazing opportunity to visit ZDF. Zweites Duestches Fersehn translates into second German television. I was especially excited to visit this television network because earlier in the semester I researched the company and wrote a media report on it. I wish I could have written the report after visiting German media outlets because now the research makes so much more sense.

The financing that German media companies like ZDF, Duestche Wella and DPA recieive is different from how media companies make their money in the United States. While researching this at home I was very confused and had difficulty understanding the concept. But now it makes sense and to me it makes the media industry more stable than our media system.

While at ZDF we were able to be a part of the live studio audience for Moma Café’. This is the last segment of their morning show which airs from 5:30 am to 9am. Moma Café’ seemed to be the most entertainment driven segment of the morning show and was very fun to be a part of, even though we couldn’t understand what was being said.

After this media visit we had some free time that we took extreme advantage of by getting delicious chocolates and a traditional Bavarian style lunch. We finally had gorgeous weather and were able to sit outside and enjoy such a cultural meal.

For our second media visit of the day we visited Deutsche Presse or DPA which can be most directly compared to the Associated Press in America. This was a very interesting visit though out of my relm of concentration. This visit along with the previous one have given us media students hope that we will have jobs when we graduate. Though it is a different system here in Germany it is working quite well and could always be adopted by other places around the world.

Filed Under: Blogs, Johnie Freiwald ·
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