Media Diversity in North Rhine-Westphalia
Diversity is one of our four core values and a central component of our democracy. This democracy is characterized by the fact that different people live together—people who do not always have to agree, but who are nevertheless free to express their opinions.
Diversity does not arise on its own. We feel more comfortable with people who are similar to us. It’s easy when the people around us like the same things, celebrate the same holidays, and vote for the same political parties as we do. And yet, it’s still worth it for us to stand up for diversity. Because democracy and diversity offer most people the greatest freedom and a life free from harm.
What does diversity mean to us as the State Media Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia?
We are convinced that a democracy needs diverse media. This allows people to engage with the issues that matter to them, as well as those that matter to others in their society.
And when we talk about diversity, we mean
- diversity of opinion,
- diversity of content, and
- diversity of providers
in North Rhine-Westphalia as a media hub.
We promote and protect media diversity at various levels.
We support ...
… through education and training, policy advocacy, access, research, mediation and strategic guidance, financial resources, networking, and the promotion of collaboration.
We protect...
… by providing incentives, granting approvals and licenses, taking action against illegal content, and regulating platforms to ensure transparency and non-discrimination.
The providers ...
… include media companies, journalists, media professionals, students, and specialists; employees in media professions; and citizens participating in participatory projects.
Media Career NRW
North Rhine-Westphalia needs diverse journalism. Diverse journalistic offerings and economically viable media companies are nothing less than the firewall of our democracy—and that can only be maintained by people.
To address the shortage of young talent and leadership, we have launched the MEDIENKARRIERE NRW initiative. Our goal is to help companies find the right people with the appropriate skills. Connecting young talent with media companies is a central component of our efforts.
As part of this initiative, we are combining various measures:
Career Day
This event is designed to give young professionals the opportunity to connect with representatives from leading media companies and bring them all together. Through workshops, we also provide them with inspiration and insights from the industry. This gives them a broad overview of current trends, the skills they need, and the diverse career paths available in the media industry.
Traineeship
Through the NRW Media Traineeship, we aim to help up-and-coming professionals break into the best industry in the world—the media industry in North Rhine-Westphalia. This exclusive 18-month on-the-job training program provides work experience in journalism, business administration, and technology at three different media companies in the state.
Audio Certification
We provide financial support for training and continuing education in local, regional, and state radio. We also promote the professional development of trainees—for example, through seminars.
NRW - HOME OF "VIELFALT"
We are a federal state, and we are a diverse population: Over 20 percent of Germany’s residents live in North Rhine-Westphalia. Everyone can find a home here. Because here, every person can feel represented.
This opens up endless possibilities for the media landscape: A large population with many different interests forms a broad audience for diverse content. We support media companies in catering to these interests and creating media for everyone.
Media companies based in North Rhine-Westphalia offer a wide range of local, regional, and national information for a diverse array of target audiences. To ensure they can continue to do so in an era of digital disruption and evolving business models, we provide support through our programs and initiatives. This enables companies to navigate the digital transformation, establish profitable business models, and continue to develop content tailored to their target audiences.
So that they can continue to inform the people of North Rhine-Westphalia with diverse news. So that people in North Rhine-Westphalia can continue to participate fully and knowledgeably in our democratic society. Because diversity is at the heart of our democracy.