— Renate Schröder, Director European Federation of Journalists — Marius Dragomir, Director Media and Journalism Research Center — Lars Boering, Director European Journalism Center — Barbara Trionfi, Senior Advisor to the OSCER Representative on Media Freedom — Tijana Blagojev & Elda Brogi, Center for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom in Europe — Helena Soares, DocSociety.org — Paul F. Nemitz, Principal Advisor at the EU Commission — Dennis Reineck, Researcher Deutsche Welle Akademie — Paolo Cesarini, Director European Digital Media Observatory — Lutz Kinkel, former Director Head European Center for Press and Media Freedom — Katrin Kaeufer, Co-Founder MIT Presencing Institute Renate Buschmann, Academic Director UW/H Witten Lab — Birger P. Priddat, Economist and Philosopher UW/H — Aude Bertrand-Höttcke, Researcher UW/H — Freya Hattenberger, Artist — Lukas Stoetzer, Election Researcher at UW/H
— Renate Schröder, Director European Federation of Journalists — Marius Dragomir, Director Media and Journalism Research Center — Lars Boering, Director European Journalism Center — Barbara Trionfi, Senior Advisor to the OSCER Representative on Media Freedom — Tijana Blagojev & Elda Brogi, Center for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom in Europe — Helena Soares, DocSociety.org — Paul F. Nemitz, Principal Advisor at the EU Commission — Dennis Reineck, Researcher Deutsche Welle Akademie — Paolo Cesarini, Director European Digital Media Observatory — Lutz Kinkel, former Director Head European Center for Press and Media Freedom — Katrin Kaeufer, Co-Founder MIT Presencing Institute Renate Buschmann, Academic Director UW/H Witten Lab — Birger P. Priddat, Economist and Philosopher UW/H — Aude Bertrand-Höttcke, Researcher UW/H — Freya Hattenberger, Artist — Lukas Stoetzer, Election Researcher at UW/H —
WITTEN LAB MAGAZINE #5
Media Crisis Meets Democracy Crisis
In a world flooded with information, where media reaches every corner of the globe and shapes the minds of billions, understanding the forces at play is more critical than ever. Our latest Uni-Magazine issue, “Media Crisis Meets Democracy Crisis,” dives deep into the dramatic shifts transforming the media landscape and threatening the very foundation of democracy.
Traditional journalism is under siege—business models are collapsing, newsrooms are shrinking, and public trust is eroding. The rise of social media and artificial intelligence has introduced new, opaque power dynamics that influence not just the media but society at large. With two-thirds of young people worldwide no longer trusting most media, the question arises: How does this media crisis fuel a democracy crisis?
Join us as we explore the complex interplay between media disruption and democratic decay. Discover why understanding media structures, influences, and effects is essential for anyone who values truth and democratic principles.
This issue is packed with insightful perspectives from leading experts, thought-provoking analyses, and a call to action for all who wish to navigate today’s media ecosystem.
A NEW EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVE OF THE WITTEN LAB STUDIUM FUNDAMENTALE AT WITTEN/HERDECKE UNIVERSITY
AS A UW/H STUDENT, ENROL FOR THE UNDERSTANDING MEDIA SEMINAR HERE
Students from other universities interested in participating can reach out to johannes.wiek@uni-wh.de
LEARN MORE about our first seminar session on 17 October with guest expert RASMUS KLEIS NIELSEN, Director of Oxford University´s REUTERS Institute for the Study of Journalism HERE
Empowering You to Navigate and Shape the Media Landscape
UNDERSTANDING MEDIA
Do you know enough about the media that shapes your worldview? In an age where media is as pervasive and essential as water to fish, gaining a critical understanding of its structures and influences is no longer optional—it’s imperative.
UNDERSTANDING MEDIA is a groundbreaking educational initiative open to students from all faculties at any university in Europe. It is hosted by the Witten Lab Studium fundamentale at Witten/Herdecke University in Germany. This unique programme brings together students with international media experts, renowned journalists, media policy makers, and visionary artists to reflect about the realities of today‘s and tomorrow‘s media ecosystem against the backdrop of democracy.
The UNDERSTANDING MEDIA initiative was launched by UW/H alumni Johannes Wiek and Max von Abendroth. The team has since been strengthened by Lutz Kinkel, Katrin Kaeufer and Linda von Velsen.
Through engaging seminars, interactive discussions, and interdisciplinary learning, you’ll explore:
• Who controls the media? Uncover the ownership and power structures behind major media outlets.
• How does media influence democracy? Examine the role of media in shaping public opinion and policy.
• What are the hidden forces at play? Learn about the algorithms, regulations, and unseen factors that affect the information you receive.
• How can you make a difference? Develop the skills to critically assess media and contribute to a more transparent and democratic media landscape.
This initiative is more than just a learning opportunity—it’s a call to action for students, potential sponsors, and engaged citizens who want to be at the forefront of positive change. By understanding media, you empower yourself to think critically, act responsibly, and help safeguard the democratic values we all cherish.
Join us in this essential journey to demystify the media.
Understanding media starts with you – they won’t explain themselves.
WITTEN/HERDECKE UNIVERSITY
For 40 years, Witten/Herdecke University has been offering young talents degree programmes with a promising future in the fields of management, economics, politics, society, psychology, nursing, medicine and dentistry. Our mission is to actively shape the social, ecological and economic changes of our society—in a sustainable and just way. This is what we learn, research and work for. The same applies to our unique study concept, which, in addition to exemplary degree programmes, includes the Studium fundamentale, individual supervision at eye level and opportunities to try things out.
→ uni-wh.de
WITTEN LAB ZUKUNFTSLABOR STUDIUM FUNDAMENTALE
The Studium fundamentale courses at WittenLab aim to provide students with competencies that go beyond specialised knowledge in their fields. Through interdisciplinary seminars and lecture series, students from various degree programmes come together to engage with content from other disciplines. This approach helps them broaden their knowledge, develop new perspectives, and understand the limits of their own disciplines. This dynamic environment not only promotes academic excellence but also encourages critical thinking, ethical reflection, and cultural awareness.
Witten/Herdecke University offers the ideal environment for both professional and personal growth, fostering the holistic development that equips our students for the future. At UW/H, we grow together!
→ uni-wh.de/wittenlab