The media can shape our society and identity – but how does this happen in practice, and what does it mean for media professionals and their work? 

This is the focus of our MENT MasterClass, organised in collaboration with the RETURN International Film and Art Festival, on 21 October at the Sendehalle in Weimar. The event is aimed at media and creative professionals from all sectors in Thuringia, as well as students.

Following a joint opening session and a brief presentation by experts from the fields of research and practice, participants will have the opportunity to choose a discussion group.

Table A: Constructive Journalism (in German)

What role does constructive journalism currently play within newsrooms? What are the benefits of a constructive approach for consumers and, by extension, for society? And how can I apply this in practice in my day-to-day work as a writer and/or reader? You’ll have the chance to discuss questions like these with expert Dr Elisa Hofmann (University of Jena) and take part in a round-table discussion to gain new insights and knowledge to apply to your work.

Table B: Media & Politics (in English)

In this group discussion, which will include a sharing of experiences, you will explore together with Dr. Sabrina Schmidt (University of Erfurt) the extent to which awareness of the impact of the media on political education, social cohesion and democracy already plays a role in your day-to-day work. A key focus: How are (social) media and disinformation currently being used to spread populist ideas, and what strategies are effective in countering them? Building on this, you can consider what would be important to you in this regard in the future and what benefits this would bring for consumers – and thus for society as a whole – particularly in Thuringia.

Table C: Media & Democracy (in German)

Whilst filming their series BROMBEERLAND, writer, director and producer Yvonne Andrä and her husband Wolfgang got up close and personal with the key figures in the 2024 Thuringian state election: they attended press conferences and campaign events, spoke to political journalists – and thus captured the journey to the ‘Brombeere’ on film. Through their film, they depict the political process – whilst at the same time experiencing first-hand how it is shaped in very concrete ways by the media and journalists. This round-table discussion will focus on the interplay between the media and democracy, as well as Yvonne’s and your own everyday experiences as citizens, voters and media professionals.

From 4.30 pm: Doors open with coffee 
5.00 pm to 6.30 pm: MENT MasterClass

Sendehalle Weimar (Humboldtstr. 36a)

The event will take place in German and English.

You can register for free here: https://pretix.eu/MENTe.v/masterclass/