RIAS Berlin Commission exchange restarts with German elections
The September 27 German election was a welcomed chance for 17 American journalists to spend a week in Berlin learning more about the campaigns, the issues, the six parties and the German election system — and what’s different from elections in the USA.
Coming out of an 18-month hibernation due to the corona pandemic, we also had the good fortune of meeting with a half dozen top German journalists, despite the continued corona limitations, either at their offices (RBB and WeltTV) or in restaurants or cafes. Candid and interesting talks with political leaders from all the parties (SPD, CDU, Greens and AfD) was possible (sometimes outdoors) thanks to the tremendous flexibility of the group and guest speakers. Some of the Americans on the alumni program even used the fellowship to air stories from the Germany elections back to their home stations.
All in all it was a fantastic group and illuminating week — for our fellows and guest speakers. Here are some comments from the participants:
Michael Gargiulo, Anchor WNBC New York:
My time in Berlin as part of the Alumni Program allowed me to do what I love best about journalism: be a witness to history. For an entire week, I was immersed in a subject I had only been able to read about. With a great group of fellow reporters, producers, and assignment editors, I traveled over all Berlin, visited TV stations , government offices and political research think tanks. We met with German politicians, journalists, and political experts …. all to try and learn how and why Germany will take a new direction in the post Merkel era. All of us were RIAS fellows at different times. While I didn’t know everyone on the program initially, I was amazed how quickly we bonded as a group. After day one , it was like we had been together a month , trading everything from Berlin restaurant tips to career advice. To me, the German Elections Alumni Program represented the best part of RIAS, that the program doesn’t end when your two week fellowship is up.. it’s just the start of a great relationship.
Karin Caifa, Reporter CNN Newsourse, Washington DC:
What an eventful time to be in Berlin! In my short stretch in the city, I got to witness a climate march kicked off by Greta Thunberg, the Berlin Marathon and – of course – the most significant elections Germany has seen in 16 years. Our guest speakers gave perfect tee-ups to how to sort through Sunday evening’s results, and we were fortunate enough to be welcomed to an actual polling station on Election Day to witness the process in action. The cultural side trips, including touring the East Side Gallery with artist Kani Alavi, and the networking opportunities were especially valuable additions and enhanced the experience immensely.
Miranda Dotson Reed, former KGO TV/ABC7 News, San Francisco, California:
I am continually amazed at the deep level of access the RIAS program provides, and this experience was no different. From meetings with politicians to influential German journalists, visiting the Berlin Rotes Rathaus to walking inside a polling station on Election Day, the program is unmatched.
The in-depth conversations we had were candid and insightful, and allowed a new and more complete understanding of the German election system. It gave real insight into what’s important for German citizens and their futures. More than that, the chance to connect with American colleagues from around the country is an excellent way to grow my broader journalism network. And it further confirms the amazing journalistic work happening in every corner of the U.S. (and Germany). I’m confident these relationships will carry on for many years. Thanks again for a truly wonderful and impactful experience!
Lane Luckie, Anchor, KLTV, Tyler, Texas: Participating in the RIAS Berlin Commission’s Fall 2021 alumni program was another life-changing opportunity. After the coronavirus pandemic isolated the world, this was a valuable lesson — a powerful reminder — that nothing replaces face-to-face experiences. Having participated in a previous program centered around the German elections, this only added to that foundational knowledge and helped me better explain this historic moment to our viewers in East Texas. As always, this was a tremendous professional challenge that helped me push myself as a journalist and grow as an individual. Most of all — my heart is touched by the friendships formed through RIAS. It was a really special getting to reconnect with American fellows, see German fellows who have visited my station in Texas or have hosted me in Germany, as well as form new friendships with some truly exceptional journalists. There’s much to be achieved when our countries work together and RIAS is helping deepen those bonds in a meaningful way. I described RIAS as providing a ‘golden ticket’ because so many in Germany are aware of its legacy. It opens doors for acquiring sources, forming friendships, and gaining the trust of others, which is invaluable. It’s a true honor to be associated with RIAS. (PS – Lane did these reports for his station in Tyler, Texas )
Tiffany Zeno, Producer NBC New York: Democracy is not easy. Representation is a must. Hatred and racism have no place anywhere. The 2021 elections in Germany proved all of this. As a journalist, my job is to report on truth and facts. We get down to the core of what is in society and what moves society. Your voters have spoken. Now is the time that you must carry forth their wishes. Thank you so much for taking time with us during this incredible life-changing event. Godspeed in this new reality. And remember, you represent ALL of Germany.
Debby Block, Voice of America, Washington DC: Another incredible RIAS program experience, made even more special by being able to learn about the German elections firsthand. I learned so much from the speakers and other people I met, with the highlight of going into a voting station on election day where I watched people cast their ballots, and spoke with the polling station manager about the large turnout. I am also grateful for being able to reconnect with German and US RIAS journalists and meeting new ones. Thank you so much for having the American alumni in Berlin where we could experience another chapter of Germany’s amazing history.
Jeremy Chen, KTNV Las Vegas: It was a privilege and an honor to be a part of the first RIAS program since the pandemic began. It also came at a good time coinciding with the German elections, where anything could go with Angela Merkel stepping down. We spoke with members who represented views all across the political spectrum. Getting an understanding of how Germans vote and value democracy was very eye-opening in contrast to our own system in the US. It was a wonderful week meeting distinguished speakers with colleagues. Thank you!
Bryan Weakland, Producer MSNBC, New York: Participating in the RIAS alumni program was incredible. I was able to reconnect with German journalists I met during my first RIAS fellowship. I was also privileged to meet a new group of German journalists of whom I know will be lifelong connections.
The speakers and guests we met with on this program were phenomenal.
Being here during such pivotal elections is a front row seat to history in the making and I’m so thankful to have been included in this tremendous opportunity.
Justin Campbell, reporter, WKMG News, Orlando, Florida: It was an incredible honor to be invited and attend the RIAS alumni program in Berlin. I connected with so many journalists and learned so much about the historic German election. One point I find interesting and will not forget is how German voters are changing. Almost every speaker emphasized how historically voters cast their ballot for the party, but now they’re voting more for the candidate like Americans. It goes to show what happens in the U.S. really does reverberate throughout the world. After 16 years of Angela Merkel, the country will move in a new way forward. What a pivotal time to be invited back to Germany to witness it first-hand.
Bonnie North, Program Director North Country Public Radio, Canton, Potsdam New York: It was an honor to participate in the first RIAS reunion program since the start of the COVID pandemic. During the week we heard from speakers from across the political spectrum, visited with some of our German media colleagues, and furthered our understanding of this historic election in Germany. I was also able to witness the climate strike march and the Berlin marathon – perfect timing! It was an amazing week. Vielen Dank. Thanks again for everything.
Joel Waldinger, PBS Madison Wisconsin:
RIAS has provided me with another opportunity to expand my horizons on the European Continent. Having a front row seat to democracy in action with the historic German elections. This experience helps strenghten and emphasize the importance of voting – a right some Americans take for granted. I was impressed most by the immigrant stories of Sawsan Chebli (SPD) and Kani Alavi – stories of overcoming adveresity and hardship to forge a better life for themselves, their families and their country. They are living their best “German dream! Thank you again for a great experience.
Maggie Kerkman, Fox News Channel /Dallas bureau field producer:
What a fascinating time to be in Germany. I had learned about German politics and parties before, but to see it all in action at an historic pivot point in Germany’s history was thrilling. I feel like I finally come close to understanding the German voting process— and maybe even a little bit about German voters. As one told me, “We want change, but not a revolution.” Another mentioned how historic Angela Merkel’s reign has been, perhaps not in policies as much as her long tenure as the first female chancellor. For teens who don’t remember having anyone but Merkel, someone told me, this now seems normal. I will watch with avid interest over the next few months to see which coalition will come to power.It was not just to learn about German politics that we came to Berlin. We met- or got reacquainted with- our German and American colleagues. We also got a chance to wander the city and explore. As I sat in a large park on a sunny, lovely day, eating ice cream, watching people play with their children and dogs, I felt for a little bit like I was truly experiencing something really wonderful- and typisch Deutsch.
TJ Speicher, Senior National Editor & Desk Operations Officer/Fox News, New York:
21 years, 2 months, 17 days. Or 7749 days. Or 669,513,600 seconds (give or take, but who’s counting?) That’s how long it had been since I was last in Berlin during the summer of 2000. So much has changed since then, not just me or Berlin, but the world as a whole. And as much as we call Times Square the crossroads of the world, it might be Berlin that truly holds that title. From the people to the food. And for RIAS to welcome us back to Berlin at such and auspicious time for another historic election (aren’t they all, nowadays?), it has been a truly special week to once again explore a truly special city. RIAS has again introduced us to various points of view from politicians and journalists, which I find truly enlightening. So, once again Berlin, ich sage auf Wiedersehen, in the truest sense.
Michael Makowski, The Progressive Magazine, Madison, Wisconsin:
What an exciting time to be in Germany—during a historic election and one that will change the direction of its government. As an alumnus, I had the background knowledge that made meeting with journalists, politicians, and influential figures all the richer. By election night, I felt informed about all the parties, nuances, and possible outcomes, and a deep appreciation for the democratic process. RIAS has given me so many learning and networking opportunities, and I’m a better journalist for it. Thanks to Erik, Melissa, the RIAS Board, and my colleagues for another fantastic experience.
Susan Valot, Reporter public radio stations, California: The RIAS program has always been about building bridges, between the US and Germany, between the journalists who take part, between the speakers and the journalists. It highlights the good and bad, showing what’s working and what needs to be fixed. I was honored to take part in this year’s alumni program, allowing me to return to Berlin for the first time in five years, to see that it’s still a city evolving and changing, with its skies, as always, lined with construction cranes.
From hearing from a Muslim political leader who receives so many death threats that she questions whether she can continue in her current career to seeing so many German children and teens taking part in the Climate Strike March that filled Berlin’s streets with thousands of beacons of hope — these sorts of interactions, both formal and informal, lead to new stories, new perspectives and new friendships.
and Bob Jamieson from NBC News New York
