Observations from Fall 2021 RIAS Berlin Commission participants in USA
Brief observations from RIAS Berlin Commission participants in the October 2021 exchange program to the United States:
Frauke Holzmeier, RTL, ntv
I’m really happy to be part of the RIAS community now. In two weeks in the US with stays in Washington and New York City, we met so many different and inspiring personalities. I will benefit from it for a long time to come. As a journalist and also for me as a person, I learned that the United States is a deeply divided country. Trump was and still is a symptom of this division. This should concern us all. But simultaneously there is so much hope and strength in this country. Thanks to the people who live here and their cordiality, warmth and hospitality. Thank you, RIAS for having me!
Jan Fritsche, ZDF
What an incredible program this has been! Getting to know excellent journalists from both sides of the Atlantic, meeting high-ranking officials such as the German ambassador to the United States Emily Haber, gaining unique perspectives like the one of a 9/11 survivor – RIAS was all of this and so much more. Every day we learned about a divided society struggling with its own identity. But, also about a people full of optimism and generosity. This country has been fascinating me for many years. And RIAS has helped me understand it even better. Thank you so much for this amazing experience! I ‘m happy and grateful to be part of the RIAS network now.
Dilek Üsük, rbb
What an amazing and incredible time we had! In this short time, we had the opportunity to speak to people we wouldn’t have met without this program. We spoke to journalists, to politicians, to a survivor of 9/11 and we had a walk through an ultra-orthodox community in New York. All these people, all these guest speakers gave us deep and real insights into the structure of politics and the society of the US with different perspectives and opinions, which made it all the more interesting. It helped me to understand the people in the US, their struggles, their challenges, their ideas, their way of life. And it reminded me to be open minded and that sometimes things are much more complicated and not as easy as they might seem. The RIAS program provides such a great and unique experience and it gives the opportunity to connect and network with so many people, which is so valuable. It was a privilege and an honor to be part of the first RIAS program after the pandemic began. I’m very grateful for these great weeks and I ‘m amazed how quickly we bonded as a group. Thanks again for this wonderful and impactful experience!
Dania Maria Hohn
Being in the RIAS programme is not only a fellowship, but the experience of a lifetime. I felt welcome from the moment I stepped off the airplane, in a country I only knew from books and movies. I have learned that the US is in a critical state and no one knows how things will go on or get better. But the people I’ve met taught me a lot about perseverance, loss and hope. It’s the stories we tell as journalists that make a difference, and we should all feel empowered and aware at the same time. The pandemic didn’t stop us from connecting – on rooftops with a view of the White House or the Empire State Building, in traditional restaurants or even on a journalists’ private porch. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and thank everyone for their time and efforts, as I will take the memories with me wherever I go.
Annette Yang, NDR
Such an adventurous trip from day one: Singled out at immigration at Washington airport, being asked why, as a European, I wished to enter. That’s how it’s like to travel during Covid I guess. But, I was cleared eventually. I also had a good reason: RIAS! Two weeks full of great encounters: In Washington we talked to the German Ambassador Emily Haber about transatlantic allies, new technologies and diplomatic sensitivity. White House Correspondent Jeff Mason described what flying in Air Force One feels like. What a treat! In New York, we discovered the city with insiders, like WNBC news anchor Michael Gargiulo, producer Adam Reiss, 9/11 survivor Gordon Huie and ex-Hassidic Jew Freida Vizel. They opened doors that would have otherwise remained closed to us. Thanks RIAS for creating memories that will accompany me for a lifetime!
Lena Mosel, WELT
I couldn’t believe that our program would even take place during the pandemic until we were actually here and I probably won’t completely realize what we’ve seen, who we’ve spoken to and what we’ve experienced until I’m back in Germany: speaking to journalists from very different channels, politicians, experts from think tanks, seeing a show on Broadway, having lunch at the famous Katz’s deli, standing in front of the Capitol and trying to understand what happened there on January 6th. We felt how divided this country is and I see it as a warning for us journalists in Germany, where the media increasingly leans toward one side or the other. I hope that the divided United States will find their way back together, because what we also saw, heard and felt is a beautiful country.
Kate Brady, Deutsche Welle
After so many months cooped up due to the pandemic, the 2021 RIAS program was always going to be particularly special. But nothing could have prepared me for the places we would see, the people we would meet, nor the knowledge and experience we would gain during our two weeks in D.C. and New York. At this time of polarization, the political insights we gained in D.C. are priceless for our understanding of the United States going forward and my reporting on transatlantic relations. Meeting with fellow journalists also gave us a deeper understanding of the challenges facing US media — many of which we share on both sides of the Atlantic. In turn, this has only reinforced my own motivation as a journalist and acts as a reminder of the importance and responsibility that comes with our work. It was an absolute pleasure to share this experience with everyone on the program. Through RIAS I’ve met some wonderful new colleagues and made friends for life. Here’s to a successful station week and many years of keeping the spirit of the RIAS network alive.
Kristian Wiegand, phoenix
Experience, not just observe. Immerse, not just scratch the surface. Exchange, not just listen. With a super team of fellow travelers. That’s what RIAS is all about. One impression in particular that stuck with me: The United States is more divided than it has been in a long time. And Trump hovers over everything like the sword of Damocles. But the country and the people also have an incredible determination not to give up. That’s what I experienced with our guest speakers. Particularly the private insights into life and work gave me a deep insight into the soul and politics of the USA. For me, this exchange between people of different cultures is important. Especially the immersion into the world of Jewish life left a deep impression.
Julia Grünwald, MDR
Having never been to the U.S. before, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. Everything is louder, bigger and more extraordinary here, I thought. In many ways, that’s true. But two weeks of Rias gave me a special insight, that I would never have gotten as a tourist. The conversations with journalists, politicians, experts from think tanks and artists gave me the opportunity to understand this country better. As the first group after Corona, we found a way to meet with admirable people. Whether in the park with Clare Toeniskoetter from The Daily in NYC or on Roland Nelles’ porch in D.C. We talked a lot about Trump and his influence on media and I have learned, that all is far from reconciled under Biden.
Thank you for these incredible insights and great acquaintances in the Rias network. I am proud to be part of it now and look forward to many reunions.
