From the basics to your own publication
The seminar ‘Practical science communication and online journalism’ by Dr Andreas Rothenh?fer and Dr Jascha de Bloom offered students of the faculty practical insights into the world of media. The course, which was offered for the first time in the winter semester 2025/2026, combines theoretical principles with practice-oriented work. In the first phase, techniques of journalistic writing, editorial topic editing and SEO optimisation were introduced. Dr Jascha de Bloom provided input from his day-to-day work. The FB10 online editorial team and the Department of University Communication also provided insights into relevant issues of journalistic work. Expert knowledge was passed on at first hand. Participants were given the opportunity to write their own articles and prepare them for the department's website as part of their examination and coursework. This allowed them to test and develop their skills in realistic applications.
Professional orientation and networking
In addition to teaching journalistic and editorial skills, the programme also focuses on career orientation. Through close cooperation with the FB10 online editorial team and the examination of university communication topics, students gain insights into various professional and practical fields. In addition, contacts with potential co-operation partners and employers in the local and regional media sector are promoted. A particular highlight was the visit to Radio Bremen, which gave the students an insight into everyday editorial work during a tour of the editorial offices of various radio programmes. This gave them the opportunity to familiarise themselves with professional broadcasting operations and exchange ideas with experienced media professionals.
On air with Radio Bremen
How is daily news produced? What processes are necessary to get a radio programme on air smoothly? And how can you use your own voice professionally as a presenter? These and many other questions were answered in dialogue with the editors from Radio Bremen. Maren Schwartz from the online editorial department and Katrin Martens from Bremen 1 were among those present. The editors guided the group of students through the large Radio Bremen complex and offered an insight into the editorial departments of the Bremen 1 and Bremen 4 radio programmes. It was possible to observe how editors and presenters work together and communicate from the news desk to the radio studio.
For many students, the event was a valuable opportunity not only to familiarise themselves with journalistic practice, but also to make their first contacts in the industry. Questions about internships and career opportunities in journalism were at the centre of the discussions. The opportunity to talk to media professionals gave participants ideas for their own career prospects. The visit to the Bremen 4 studio was particularly exciting: here the students experienced at first hand how a professional radio presenter goes live on air and the challenges that need to be overcome. Bremen 4 presenter Rudi Sch?nborn even allowed the group to take part in the live broadcast in the studio.
Student participation in the department's website
A central component of the seminar was also active student participation and involvement in the external journalistic presentation of the department and science communication. The participants took on transfer tasks in the context of making current research findings and teaching activities understandable and presenting them to the outside world. They worked closely with the FB10 online editorial team and were given the opportunity to gain practical experience in a realistic and responsible environment. The course provided an opportunity to acquire journalistic and practical media skills while gaining practical insights into science communication. The basics learnt could also be applied directly in their own projects.
