RIAS alumni chapters hold events in Hamburg, Berlin, New York and Washington DC<\/strong><\/p>\n Alumni groups in Germany and the United States have been busy holding good-spirited alumni meetings, seasonal get-togethers and fundraising activities for the RIAS Berlin Commission.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Berlin alumni chapter and Hamburg chapter held a joint Thanksgiving dinner celebration in Berlin at the Adlon Hotel on November 24 that was attended by 35 people — including RIAS Berlin Commission co-chair Christina Higgins, <\/a>who is the Minister Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin. It was a spirited evening and alumni The Berlin alumni chapter will also be joining RIAS Berlin Commission board member Melissa Eddy <\/a>at the U.S. Embassy on December 18 for an annual holiday reception at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin with other alumni groups.<\/p>\n In New York, the RIAS Berlin Commission alumni chapter kept the German-American spirit alive In Washington DC, a group of RIAS alumni got together for a screening of a new 2018 film “The Silent Revolution”<\/a> in which the Cold War-era radio station “RIAS” (Radio in American Sector) plays The RIAS Berlin Commission would like to say thank you to the alumni and friends of RIAS for their generous donations: Kerstin Koretz, Kevin Arnold, Sonja Christlein, Erik Kirschbaum, Helge Fuhst, Juergen Schleifer, Ben Fajzullin, Patricia Adenauer-von Berg, Martin Richter, Birgit Frank, Ann Kristin Sieger, Kevin Arnold, Stephanie Orbach, Torsten Beermann, Louisa Maria Giersberg, Arnd Riekmann, Bartosz Dudek, Charlotte Potts, Matthais Baehr, Oliver Sallet, Martin Guenther, Christian Walther, Eva Schmidt, Marcel Grzyb, Mirella Pappalardo, Laura Koppenhoefer, Peter Twiehaus, Kai Wessel, Anne Demmer, Wolker Witting, Susan Blum, Karl-Dieter Moeller, Andrea December 7, 2018<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Observations from U.S. journalists on program studying migration, border security in Europe<\/strong><\/p>\n Lee Anderson<\/strong>, KTVZ, Bend, OR<\/span> Major General Robert Bodisch<\/strong>, Commander Texas State Guard, Austin, TX<\/span> John Burnett<\/strong>, NPR, Austin, TX<\/span> Tom Hawley<\/strong>, KSNV-TV\/Channel-3, Las Vegas, NV<\/span> We were given incredible access to all sides of the issues. From a political party dedicated to stopping the flow of immigrants, to a governmental agency charged with processing them. From a Moroccan immigrant discovering a new life as a Berlin municipal worker, to a refugee Kurd from Iran stuck in a camp on the Serbian border with Croatia. It will take some time to process all of the information we were exposed to. I will never look at immigration issues–either in Europe or the United States–in the same way.<\/p>\n Hugo Perez<\/strong>, NMSU News 22, Noticias 22, Las Cruces, NM<\/span> Adam Reiss<\/strong>, NBC, New York, NY<\/span> Sara Wittmeyer<\/strong>, WFIU\/WTIU, Bloomington, IN<\/span> December 4, 2018<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n RIAS Berlin Commission fellows from USA study border security, migration in Europe<\/strong><\/p>\n A group of eight American journalists and law enforcement experts recently completed a busy seven-day RIAS Berlin Commission fellowship to learn more about border security and migration in Germany and the European Union. The “senior editor’s” group that included experts on the subjects and RIAS alumni spent the week in Berlin, Munich, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Zagreb and at border crossings between Croatia and Serbia.<\/p>\n As border security and migration is a pressing issue in both the United States and Germany, the American journalists spent the week talking to high-ranking experts from all sides of the subject in<\/p>\n Germany and Croatia to learn more about the situation in Europe.<\/p>\n Guest speakers included former German Interior Minister Dr. Thomas de Maiziere, Federal Academy for Security Policy President Dr. Karl-Heinz Kamp, European Stability Initiative (ESI) think tank founding chairman Gerald Knaus, AfD deputy parliamentary floor leader Beatrix von Storch, Hungary’s ambassador to Germany Peter Gy\u00f6k\u00f6s, leading Bavarian Interior Ministry officials, and Deputy Director of the George C. Marshall Center General Johann Berger. The Americans also had talks with Macedonia’s deputy minister of defence Dr. Bekim Maksuti and Croatia’s deputy interior minister Terezija Gras and Croatia’s head of the border police directorate Vlatko Cvrtila.<\/p>\n The journalists on the fellowship, which was organised with the help of RIAS Berlin Commissioner Dr. Hildegard Boucsein, also spent time with Syrian refugees in Berlin who have started a thriving restaurant in the Neukoelln section of Berlin called “Aldimashqi”as well as visiting migrants from Morocco, Syria and Pakistan who are on a three-year job training program at the Berlin Water Works. One year ago, a group of eight German journalists spent a week in Texas on a similar program learning about border security and migration on the Texas-Mexico border. Other stations visited included the new Berlin offices of the Open Society Foundations and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation think tank in Berlin.<\/p>\n Many of the Americans on the trip to Germany and Croatia this year were working on stories for The fellows in the group included:<\/strong><\/p>\n December 1, 2018<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n RIAS BERLIN COMMISSION mourns death of co-founder Bush<\/strong><\/p>\n Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, who founded the RIAS BERLIN COMMISSION together with the late German Chancellor Helmut Kohl 26 years ago, has died at the age of 94.<\/p>\n The two leaders, who worked together to end the Cold War and pave the way for German unification in 1990, were also jointly behind the creation of the German-American exchange program for broadcast journalists in 1992 that has carried on the spirit of the famous Cold War-era Radio In American Sector (RIAS) broadcasting network that had served listeners in Berlin and beamed news and music across the border into East Germany until 1992.<\/p>\n More than 1,600 broadcast journalists…<\/p>\n …have taken part in RIAS exchanges over the years.<\/p>\n \u201cGeorge Bush and Helmut Kohl had incredible foresight when they created the RIAS BERLIN COMMISSION exchange program 26 years ago,\u201d said the program\u2019s executive director Erik Kirschbaum in a statement mourning Bush\u2019s death on Friday. \u201cAnd they both remained genuinely interested in the RIAS BERLIN COMMISSION they launched even many years after leaving office. The program has broadened the horizons of nearly 2,000 journalists in both Germany and the United States, but it has touched and even changed many lives as well.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Bush had met with a number of German broadcast journalists…<\/p>\n …on RIAS BERLIN COMMISSION exchange programs to the United States over the years.<\/p>\n Kohl had died last year at the age of 87. He was the chancellor of West Germany from 1982 to 1990 and then the leader of reunited Germany until 1998. Bush had praised Kohl, who was often called the architect of German unification, for strengthening institutions of democracy in Germany and beyond in a statement mourning his passing last year. \u201cThroughout our endeavors, Helmut was a rock \u2014 both steady and strong. We mourn his loss today even as we know his remarkable life will inspire future generations of leaders to achieve greatly.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n More than 1,600 American and German broadcast journalists have had the chance to spend time learning about each other\u2019s respective country on the transatlantic exchange programs operated by the RIAS BERLIN COMMISSION over the last 26 years thanks to the endowment set up by the German and U.S. governments under Kohl and Bush in 1992.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kohl and Bush had both sent letters of congratulations<\/a> to the RIAS BERLIN COMMISSION six years ago on the occasion of its 20th anniversary.<\/p>\n Bush wrote of RIAS BERLIN COMMISSION in 2012: \u201cWe share your pride in the fact that more than one thousand American and German journalists from hundreds of radio and television stations have already participated in this program, and we wish you continued success in the years ahead. Keep up the good work.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kohl wrote in 2012: \u201cI\u2019d like to express my thanks to all those who have helped to make the BERLIN RIAS COMMISSION the successful project that it has become.<\/p>\n \u201d Kohl noted that more than 1,000 journalists from both countries had participated to that point in exchanges. \u201cYou\u2019ve got a special responsibility as multipliers in your daily work in helping to actively promote a better understanding of each other\u2019s country.<\/p>\n That was the hope that George Bush and I had when we founded the RIAS BERLIN COMMISSION 20 years ago. Our hopes are as important today as 20 years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n November 13, 2018<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Call for Entries for RIAS Media Prize<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The deadline is nearing for the RIAS Berlin Commission Media Prize awards for 2018. The RIAS Berlin Commission annually presents awards for excellence in reporting on German-American <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n special contributions to the mutual understanding between the people of Germany and of the United States. Eligible are all kinds of reports on German topics aired in the US or on US topics aired in Germany or other programs with German-American aspects in the fields of international politics, economics, social issues, cultural developments or current events. Solicitation 2018 (Call for Entrys) as PDF (EN)<\/a><\/p>\n RADIO, TV AND DIGITAL MEDIA AWARDS 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n Download PDF<\/a> | Read more…<\/a><\/p>\n October 31, 2018<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Brief comments from RIAS Berlin Commission fellows from Germany in the United States in October 2018<\/em><\/p>\n Martin Richter, senior correspondent, Phoenix TV, Bonn<\/strong><\/p>\n Matthias Baehr, senior producer, Reuters TV<\/strong><\/p>\n Dass ich mit der RIAS Berlin Kommission kurz vor den Midterms so spannende und vielseitige Gesp Patricia Adenauer-von Berg, RTL, Cologne<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Miriam Steimer, ZDF, Mainz<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meeting politicians of both parties, talking to Americans about the challenges of their everyday lives, watching colleagues from CNN, FOX, NBC, NPR, NYT or VICE do their job <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nina Behlendorf, ZDF, Mainz<\/strong><\/p>\n These three R <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Peter Schubert, MDR, Erfurt<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n RIAS – Das waren drei Wochen, die meinen Horizont erweitert haben. Eine intensive Zeit, in der ich einen exklusiven Zugang zum amerikanischen Journalismus und dar\u00fcber hinaus zu e <\/p>\n Nina Lammers, RTL, Berlin<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Christine Langer, SWR3, Baden-Baden<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Das RIAS USA-Programm war gro\u00dfartig! Die Einblicke in die US-Politik und Gespr\u00e4che mit Kollegen und RIAS-Alumni vor Ort haben mein Bild der USA und der US-Gesellschaft ver\u00e4ndert und ich verstehe vieles jetzt besser. Wir hatten die einmalige Chance, kurz vor de Daniel Pokraka, Correspondent, Bayerischer Rundfunk, Berlin<\/strong><\/p>\n Vor meiner Abreise haben mir viele Kollegen vorgeschw\u00e4rmt, was f\u00fcr gro\u00dfartige Erfahrungen RIAS einem erm\u00f6glicht – und jetzt wei\u00df ich: sie hatten alle recht. Ich habe viel gelernt und viel erlebt, tolle deutsche Kollegen und interessante amerikanische Kollegen und Gespr\u00e4chspartner kennen gelernt Before I left for the US, some colleagues told me how great RIAS was – and they were right. I\u2018ve learned and experienced a lot, I met great German colleagues and even interesting US- Journalists and other hosts. Pew, AJC, CNN, MSNBC, Ben Jealous and his campaign in Maryland – everything was interesting and a good lecture about the US.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Steffi Orbach, Correspondent WDR Radio, Cologne<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sorry, RIAS-people. You will have a lot more work to do because of me. Your office will be flooded by application.<\/em> I keep telling everyone to go on this trip because you get insights you won\u2019t get anywhere else. Plus you make a whole bunch of new friends.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Christopher Wittich, NTV, Cologne<\/strong><\/p>\n In times where every human being lives in his own information-bubble is it significant to expand horizons. This is only possible with new contacts. RIAS has opened the doors to a new special network for me. Actually it helped me to prepare for the coverage of the US midterm elections. Above all, my phone list has expanded with new contacts. Those contacts will help me to understand the US politics much better in the future. <\/em><\/p>\n Catherine Martens, Deutsche Welle, Brussels I expected it to be a great trip. I was proven wrong. Our exchange program was beyond all my imagination: Notably thanks to the high-profile players from the political, cultural and scientific fields we were able to connect to thanks to RIAS. As a European, I got a new and greater understanding of what could be the American perspective and in journalistic terms, how American news agenda setting is driven, thanks to our dedicated hosts, be it at CNN, Vice or the New York Times. Frank Hofmann, Deutsche Welle, Berlin<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Meggin Leigh, Deutsche Welle, Berlin<\/strong><\/p>\n My trip to New York thanks to Erik Kirschbaum and <\/em>the RIAS Kommission was<\/em> an <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n 14 Journalists from Germany<\/span> on deep dive in USA before midterm elections<\/strong><\/p>\n Fourteen radio and television journalists from Germany got their three-week long #RIASBerlin Commission fellowship in the United States off to a flying start with a packed program in Washington DC.<\/p>\n The reporters and producers from across Germany had the chance to ask Charlie Dent, a Republican congressman from Pennsylvania, why he recently left politics after years of wrangling with President Trump and learn more about power politics, negative election campaigns every two years, and transatlantic relations.<\/p>\n The Germany-based journalists also learned that from a senior litigator at the ACLU that it will fight for constitutional rights and free speech for everyone\u2014 even the KKK. There were also riveting briefings at the PEW Institute that showed there is a wide disconnect between German and American public opinion on many issues.<\/p>\n RIAS alumni Stacey Samuel of NPR gave the fellows several eye-opening briefings at NPR on the political sentiment and racism issues in the United States.<\/p>\n The chair of the Democratic Party in Maryland offered insights into the bruising midterm election campaign at her grassroots headquarters in Maryland while Ralph Dannheisser later told the group why he reclaimed his German citizenship nearly 80 years after he and his family fled Nazi Germany. The fellows also learned more about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)<\/p>\n The week in Washington was also highlighted with a get-together with 30 American alumni and, as is often the case with broadcast journalists, they were quickly chatting with each other as if they knew each their whole lives.<\/p>\n [R-slider id=”72″]<\/p>\n Here is a list of the journalists from Germany:<\/strong><\/p>\n Blurbs <\/span>from the RIAS Berlin fall program <\/span>2018 Jessica Prater<\/strong>, CNN New York<\/p>\n \u201cI am thankful for all the journalists, politicians and everyone who took the time to speak with us. The RIAS fellowship allowed me to walk through neighborhoods and newsrooms to gain insight on life in Germany\u201c.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Bryan Weakland<\/strong>, MSNBC, New York<\/p>\n \u201cThe RIAS Berlin Kommission has been a life changing experience. I now have a much more in depth understanding of how my German counterparts in the field of journalism do their jobs. I also am now intimately familiar with the German political system and the current challenges and opportunities the country faces. I have formed bonds with Germans that that will last forever. I cannot speak highly enough about this incredible program.\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Gitzel Puente<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201eI had an amazing opportunity with RIAS to connect with talented journalists and make new friendships! I learned a lot about the current political system in Germany, the rise of the AfD party and integration of immigrants. This experience has helped me see how important transatlantic relationships are when it comes to building bridges between two countries and simply understanding different cultures. Thank you RIAS!<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Andrew Lapin<\/strong>, Chicago<\/p>\n “My Rias experience was jam-packed with fascinating dialogues about Germany, the pressing issues facing Europe today, and the role of journalism in our fractured times. I’ve made some great friends and professional contacts, and I’ve gotten something valuable out of every activity my organizers planned. The fellowship on the whole is very accommodating and respectful of people’s time. I hope many more American journalists will have the opportunity to experience what I have here.”<\/em><\/p>\n Sage Van Wing<\/strong>, Oregon Public Radio, Portland<\/p>\n “Getting the chance to travel to Germany with RIAS was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I’m so grateful to have had the experience. I loved the combination of learning about European and German politics, as well as the way journalists here work and think about their jobs. This is an especially important time to be thinking hard about the role of media in our society, and I\u2019m thankful to RIAS for providing that opportunity. Thank you so much RIAS for the amazing adventure and the lifelong friendships!”<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI spent much of my childhood in Germany, but seeing it through the RIAS adventure as a learning adult was an enriching experience which I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The friendships and work contacts which I made here are invaluable.From meeting a Syrian refugee who risked his life and his heart to leave his homeland for a better opportunity in Germany to the Iraqi painter who turned the Berlin Wall into art expression to meeting with NATO officials and learning about media in Europe, the RIAS trip is one I would recommend to anyone who is curious about the world.\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n Justin Campbell<\/strong>, WVLA TV, Baton Rouge, Louisiana:<\/p>\n \u201cRIAS was an incredible experience! You meet so many important people. From high ranking NATO officials to Peter Keup, who tried to flee the GDR in the early 80s, then was imprisoned by the Stasi. Any journalist looking to learn more about Germany, politics and media should take this trip. You\u2019ll make lifelong connections!\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n Kane Faranbaugh<\/strong>, Voice of America, Midwest Corresondent, Illinois<\/p>\n \u201cThis RIAS experience has been more than rewarding, enriching both my personal and professional life with unique exposure to European and specifically German culture, politics, history, and people. With fresh perspective and insight into current German thought on issues ranging from refugee resettlement and migration to international tariffs, I am now better equipped to report on these topics with real international insight that is current and relevant. Perhaps most importantly to me personally, this experience has reconnected me to the culture and country of my grandparents, and has given me a deeper sense of what my own family living here is experiencing. The connections made with colleagues on this trip and RIAS Alumni around Europe will be the best, and everlasting, souvenir of this incredible experience. It motivates me to be increasingly active in the RIAS alumni network and encourages me to give back to the organization that has given me so much these weeks here in Europe. Thank you for this wonderful experience.\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n Latese Clark<\/strong>, WTOP News Radio, Washington DC<\/p>\n \u201cRias was one the best experiences I have ever had. It\u2019s rare for behind the scene folks to get an opportunity to go out, explore the world and gain more knowledge to help them become better without it being strictly a personal trip. This trip allowed me to that and more and I am forever grateful. Everything I\u2019ve learned and everyone I\u2019ve meet on this trip will help me become such much better in the media industry. Thank you Rias!\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n Bonnie North<\/strong>, WUWM Radio, Milwaukee, Wisconsin<\/p>\n \u201cI expected the RIAS Berlin Fellowhip to show me how journalism in Germany works. And it did that superbly. What I didn’t expect was the level of access we were granted to politicians, artists, and policy makers. Not only did I get to listen and ask questions, in many cases I was granted an on the record interview to share with my audience at home. These two weeks have been an experience for which I will be forever grateful.\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n Kenya Woodard<\/strong>, CTTV, Tampa, Florida<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/riasberlin.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/PHOTO-2018-12-11-10-37-17.jpg\")
The Hamburg alumni chapter recently had a fireside chat with U.S. Consul General Rick Yoneok<\/a>a at his private reisidence in Hamburg that was organized by Nadine Gries (NDR) and Michail Paweletz (ARD). “We had great talks and got to know the Consul General on a more personal level,” said Gries, a RIAS alumni from 2016 of the dozen alumni that attended. “It was a good night for German-America relations and a perfect kick-off event ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/riasberlin.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/PHOTO-2018-12-11-10-37-22.jpg\")
for the RIASBerlin Hamburg chapter.” The Hamburg chapter is planning another alumni meeting in early 2019.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/riasberlin.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/IMG_1523.jpg\")
from both Hamburg and Berlin said they hoped to have more such events together in 2019. The event was organized by Oliver Sallet (Deutsche Welle), Anja Heyde (ZDF), Nadine Tries and Michail Paweletz.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/riasberlin.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/IMG_0170-e1545132141944.jpg\")
with a get-together at a German beer hall in the East Village called “Zum Schneider”<\/a>. New York alumni Clare Toeniskoetter (The Daily at the NYT) and Michael Gargiulo (WNBC TV) report that the New York chapter hopes to start a tour of the five New York boroughs “one German beer hall at a time”. The next stop is Queens planned for sometime early in 2019. The New York chapter alumni will also meet the next group of 14 RIAS journalists from Germany on the March 2019 program at a get-together on March 15.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/riasberlin.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/IMG_1509.jpg\")
a feature role. As Marissa Melton (VOA), who organized the event, noted: “The role that RIAS plays is really pivotal. It’s also great to see it making a difference in people’s lives.”The Washington DC chapter is also planning a fundraising event called “RIAS Rent Party” to try to help raise alumni donations to the $10,000 target for 2018 — or in other words enough alumni donations to add two spots to programs in 2019. Stacey Samuel (NPR) is trying to organize the event at a beer garden in Washington. ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/riasberlin.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/IMG_1504.jpg\")
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Lueg, Joerg Machenbach, Katja Weber, Silvia Tiegs, Katharina Borchardt, Dorte Stoermann, Dominik Jozic, Regine Muender, Michael Paweletz, Lane Luckie, Thomas Hawley, Bonnie North, Jessica Prater, Judith Snyderman, Bryan Weakland, Cameron Knowles, Emily Damm, Dustin Stephens, Jennifer Macdonald, Michael Gargiulo, Scott Libin, Okawa Hisashi, Helene Finn Kane.<\/p>\n
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\n<\/strong>Thank you RIAS Berlin Kommission for a wonderful eye opening week in Germany and Croatia. ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/riasberlin.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Lee-Anderson-blurb-e1544788829746.jpg\")
\nI suppose Dr. Hildegard Boucsein put it best during our last “meeting” in the hotel bar in Zagreb, “There is no black and white. There is gray, and many shades of gray”. So true, and definitely displayed during the high level meetings we attended. The small group environment was conducive for great interaction by all. I had a terrific experience. I’m sure my colleagues did as well.<\/p>\n
\nI may be the first law enforcement and homeland security expert to accompany U. S. journalists ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/riasberlin.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/bodisch.png\")
participating in the RIAS program. I must “confess” (law enforcement term) that I found the program to be without equal and the knowledge and experience gained from this trip; and having the opportunity to visit with very senior government officials for their perspective on migration and border security issues, was most rewarding and educational. Hildegard and Erik assembled a superior team of U. S. journalists who proved to be consummate professionals. The RIAS program provided tremendous educational value and it was an honor to participate in the program. Hats off to Hildegard and Erik, who were not only great hosts but extremely knowledgeable about the many issues briefed and discussed and were able to provide insightful background and clarifying detail on many of these issues that I had scant knowledge of.<\/p>\n
\nWe effectively live on an island in the United States. Americans are obsessed with their own concerns and, as journalists, we serve this domestic appetite for news. It is essential, as global ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/riasberlin.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/John-Burnett-blurb.jpg\")
citizens, to break out and see other hemispheres and hear about their problems, to help reframe our own. Spending a week with the RIAS roadshow in Berlin, Bavaria and Croatia forced us to acknowledge immigrant and border problems more serious than our own. Moreover, the European backdrop of world wars, genocide, and the Balkan conflicts adds a level of complexity to the whole picture. Thank you, Erik and Hildegard, for extracting us from our journalistic comfort zone, and for swelling our stomachs with some remarkably delicious food and drink!<\/p>\n
\nRIAS Senior Editor Tour on Immigration was eye-opening would be an understatement.
\nOver eight days we were given an in-depth look at the challenges faced by Europe in general and Germany in particular as, almost two million people from the Middle East and Africa have arrived either to flee danger or to seek a better way of life.![\"\"](\"https:\/\/riasberlin.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Tom-in-Garmisch-Blurb.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nThe RIAS Berlin Commission has once again proven to be one of the best international journalism ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/riasberlin.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Hugo-Perez-Photo.jpg\")
exchange programs. This one-week program took us to briefings with nongovernmental organizations, politicians, police and experts in the fields of immigration and border security in Germany and Croatia. It was great to hear about the various immigration perspectives in Germany, Hungary, Croatia and other parts of Europe. Immigration is the hot topic in the United States, I live forty-five miles from the U.S. and Mexico border in southern New Mexico, for me the topic of immigration and border security in this program was super informative. It was great to meet fellow journalists chosen for this exchange program from many regions of the United States. Congratulations to everyone at the RIAS Berlin Commission for a very well coordinated program.<\/p>\n
\nThank you so much for an amazing unforgettable trip. From Berlin and Munich to the borders of ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/riasberlin.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/adam-reiss-blurb.png\")
Austria and Serbia. Wow! I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of RIAS and to see the places and meet the fascinating people others will never have the opportunity to see. I have learned so much that will add to my knowledge and better inform my reporting. It was a pleasure spending the week with some of America\u2019s best and brightest journalists. I cannot overstate how much I enjoyed the trip and how it will stay with me for many years to come. I will certainly stay in touch and hope to see everyone soon.<\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/riasberlin.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Sara-Wittmeyer.jpg\")
I\u2019ve been involved in the RIAS program for nearly a decade. My newsroom hosts German journalists every year, but it had been a one-way street. November\u2019s trip to learn about borders and migration was my first visit to Europe. Erik\u2019s reading materials provided good background on what the trip would entail, however the experience was so much more than I could have imagined. Our hosts organized an incredible program; no one could argue that even one minute was wasted! During our one-week trip we visited dignitaries from Germany, Macedonia and Croatia. We got access to important think tanks and people working on the front lines trying to make border policy and enforce it. People were forthcoming during our meetings and I developed a new perspective on migration \u2013 it\u2019s not just an issue in the U.S. or in the EU, it is a global issue and it\u2019s complex. I appreciated that we had the opportunity to meet with people from all sides of the issue, ranging from the Soros Foundation to the co-leader of the AfD party.<\/p>\n
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their TV and radio stations back home in the United States, such as this report <\/a>from NPR journalist John Burnett that aired on “All Things Considered” on November 30.<\/p>\n\n
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\nor transatlantic issues. The awards are given for radio, TV and internet productions which made<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/riasberlin.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/MEDIA_2018\/Awards_2018\/1012_RIAS18.jpg\")
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\nThe winners will be honored at the RIAS Media prize awards ceremony on May 23, 2019 at the historic RIAS building in Berlin.Awards are presented in three categories: Radio, TV, and Digital Media. In order to qualify a report must have been on a German topic aired domestically in the U.S. or on a U.S. topic aired in Germany, or be another local, national or international story of mutual interest.Entries from recent and former RIAS Fellows are welcomed, and encouraged. Entries must be radio, television or digital stories aired in 2018 and may be single stories or multi-part series. There is no length requirement. All entries must be submitted electronically, with a URL for the story, and an attached script.Recent American winners include JP Burgard’s film on ARD and Phoenix TV about climate change in Alaska, Bill Whitaker from CBS\u2019s \u201c60 Minutes\u201d for a story comparing prisons in Germany and the United States, Paige Sutherland of New Hampshire Public Radio about Germany\u2019s handling of drug addiction; also Erik Olsen and Melissa Eddy in 2016, for a pair of stories on nytimes.com: Germany\u2019s Coal Addiction and Germany\u2019s Energiewende.The entry deadline is January 15, 2019. To submit, simply send a link to your story to info@darkseagreen-dog-940501.hostingersite.com. Scripts and support materials are optional. Please review the call for entries on the RIAS Awards page for specific rules and details and visit our German\/American exchange program page for more information.<\/p>\n
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Das RIAS Programm im Herbst 2018 in den USA war f<\/em>\u00fcr mich eine unglaubliche Erfahrung und Bereicherung meines pers\u00f6nlichen und journalistischen Lebens. <\/em>Die vielen Gespr\u00e4che mit Journalisten, Politikern und Verb\u00e4nden in Washington und in New York unmittelbar vor den midterm elections in den USA haben mir tiefgreifende und hintergr\u00fcndige Einblicke in die amerikanische Gesellschaft gegeben. Neben den vielen hochkar\u00e4tigen Experten hat mich vor allem die Begegnung mit den bed\u00fcrftigen Menschen tief beeindruckt. <\/em>Danke RIAS fur dieses wirklich gro\u00dfartige Programm! <\/em><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/riasberlin.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/image-1.png\")
r\u00e4chspartner aus Politik und Medien in DC, NYC und LA treffen konnte, war schon eine gro\u00dfartige, manchmal desillusionierende, und oft Augen \u00f6ffnende Erfahrung. Dass ich dabei aber auch noch so pers\u00f6nlich ber\u00fchrende und bereichernde Begegnungen machen und neue Freunde beiderseits des Atlantiks finden w\u00fcrde, hat mich wirklich \u00fcberrascht. Umso sch\u00f6ner, jetzt ein Teil der Rias Alumni Familie zu sein<\/em><\/p>\n
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Shortly before the midterms the RIAS program was a tremendous experience for me. It really made me gain depth in US politics and the election system. Seeing how the Democrats fight to get back the house, talking to excellent US journalists and politicians about the transatlantic relationship, President Trump and how the US media deals with the big issue ‘fake news’, really made me think and even more curious. I especially enjoyed talking about how politics in the US and Germany should change to get voters back on track and also what the future of journalism looks like, since we all deal with the same challenges. – Altogether an amazing experience. <\/em>Thank you so much RIAS Kommission!!<\/em><\/p>\n
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\n. The RIAS program was a great opportunity for me to have a look behind the scenes – especially as it to
\nok place right before the midterm election<\/em><\/p>\n
\n<\/em>Treffen mit Politikern beider Parteien, Gespr\u00e4che it Amerikanern \u00fcber ihre Alltagsprobleme und ein Blick hinter die Kulissen von CNN, FOX, NBC, NPR, NYT oder VICE. Das RIAS-Programm hat mir spannende Einblicke erm\u00f6glicht – besonders interessant so kurz vor den midterm elections.<\/em><\/p>\n
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IAS-weeks in October 2018 were just incredible! There simply is no better opportunity to learn more about the US, about the politicians, parties and people who shape the
\ncountry! I really appreciated getting in touch with high ranked experts from politics and media in Washington DC and New York as well as I enjoyed talking with people outside this \u201ebubble\u201c, e.g. at St. JamesOctober 31, 2018 Church, New York or during station week in Bend\/Oregon. RIAS truly is a life-changing experience for every journalist and the friendships and networks built-up thanks to RIAS will hopefully last forever!<\/em><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/riasberlin.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/image-5.png\")
<\/em>inem ganzen Land bekommen habe. Die Erfahrungen reichen von Of-the-Record-Diskussionen mit<\/em>
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\namerikanischen Politikern, Hintergrundanalysen bei der New York Times bis zu Gespr\u00e4chen \u00fcber die Erz\u00e4hlstrategie in Vice-Dokumentationen. Das Beste aber waren die Menschen. Wir wurden von unseren amerikanischen Kollegen nie wie Touristen empfangen, sondern wie Freunde. <\/em><\/p>\n
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The RIAS Fall program in Washington, NYC and Las Vegas was a mind-opening experience. It was my first time in the US after Trump was elected and I was curious how journalists, politicians and the average people would live and work under his presidency. The various RIAS meetings I attended gave me many different answers to that and so many other questions concerning the American society and its political system. It was an honor to be part of the program.<\/em><\/p>\n
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n Midterm-Wahlen 2018 im Land zu sein und mit Demokraten und Republikanern zu sprechen, dazu Besuche bei NPR, CNN, der New York Times und so vielen mehr. So konnte ich viele Kontakte kn\u00fcpfen und tolle Menschen kennenlernen. Vielen Dank an alle bei RIAS Berlin f\u00fcr diese M\u00f6glichkeit und das
\nintensive Programm vor Ort! <\/em>My expectations of the RIAS US-program were exceeded! I got first hand insights of US-politics talking to both democrats and republicans shortly before the midterm-elections 2018. Now I have a much better understanding of US-Politics and got a sense of how devided the country is. Also the talks with RIAS alumni and fellow journalists at NPR, CNN, The New York Times and so many more media companies were really great. I got to meet many awesome people and friends which really helps to build a network. Thank you to everyone at RIAS Berlin for this once-in-a-lifetime experience and the fabulous program in D.C and New York!<\/em><\/p>\n
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. Pew, AJC, CNN, MSNBC, Ben Jealous und sein Wahlkampf in Maryland – alles spannend und lehrreich und nur ein kleiner Ausschnitt dessen, was ich erleben durfte.<\/em><\/p>\n
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Im Zeitalter der Informationsblase ist es wichtig, Horizonte zu erweitern. Das geht nur mit neuen Kontakten. RIAS hat mir mit dieser Reise die T\u00fcren zu einem besonderen Netzwerk ge\u00f6ffnet. Es half mir aktuell bei der Vorbereitung f\u00fcr die Berichterstattung \u00fcber die Zwischenwahlen in den USA. Vor allem hat sich aber mein Telefonbuch mit neuen Kontakten erweitert, die mir auch in Zukunft dabei helfen werden, die USA besser zu verstehen.<\/em><\/p>\n
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\nBeside that first-hand experience in the field, I am so grateful for all the great contacts with Washington and New York we can rely on if needed. As a new RIAS Fellow, I’m so happy to do my share now and to give something back to this outstanding network by forming a new RIAS alumni chapter in Brussels.<\/em><\/p>\n
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When political waters get rough, individual contacts and personal exchange becomes even more important for the transatlantic family. Thanks to the RIAS Berlin Kommission and the incredible autumn 2018 exchange program, I heard outstanding insights and in-depth analysis in an uneasy time, I saw newsrooms I otherwise would have never seen and much more. But most importantly, I have formed bonds with US friends that will last forever.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/riasberlin.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/image-12.png\")
incredible and enlightening experience. Erik and KC Schillhahn <\/em>Berlin Kommission <\/em>created a rigorous program which gave us a<\/em>
\n<\/em> up close and personal look into how our US counterparts create television. I highly recommend this exchange program for anyone working in the media industry. <\/em>Two thumbs up!!<\/em>
\n<\/em><\/p>\n
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\nOn Saturday evening the group went to a campaign rally at the University of Maryland to see Democratic challenger Ben Jealous make his case to win governor\u2019s office in November.<\/p>\n\n
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Carol Mckinley<\/strong>, Freelance ABC, CBS, Littleton, Colorado<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/riasberlin.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/blurp_5.jpg\")
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