For 73 years, Junge Presse has been committed to promoting young media professionals in Germany. In an interview with Florian Sandmann, Chairman of Junge Presse, it became clear how important it is to use school newspapers as a platform for media literacy.
Who they are
The history of Junge Presse dates back to 1951 when the topic of censorship and press freedom was particularly relevant in the school sector. Today, the focus is on promoting young media professionals and teaching media skills. Junge Presse – not to be confused with Jugendpresse Deutschland – has made it its mission to make it easier for young people to enter the world of media.
During the interview, Florian Sandmann never seemed tired of emphasising the importance of school newspapers as mediators of media skills. Through workshops, seminars and content-related training, Junge Presse supports young people in entering the media world and developing journalistic skills.
The topics of the future
Topics relating to the environment and climate are particularly in demand, which is also reinforced by the Fridays for Future movement. Junge Presse also offers support in financing printing costs for school newspapers and is committed to ensuring that traditional print media continue to be supported.
With around 10,000 members from all over Germany, Junge Presse is active in various federal states. Particular emphasis is placed on North Rhine-Westphalia and the neighbouring federal states. The members of the organisation work voluntarily and are committed to a diverse media landscape at all levels.
Junge Presse also promotes media skills in the area of social media through training and events. The aim is for school newspapers to be run by pupils and not become purely school projects.
In order to make their organisation as inclusive and accessible as possible, all of the workshops and seminars offered are free of charge for the members and the cost of accommodation and transportation are also reimbursed.
Starting a career
It remains to be seen how many members of Junge Presse will later decide to pursue a career in journalism “The answer to this is as diverse as the media world is diverse,” says Sandmann. After all, media is much more than just journalism; marketing and project work are also essential areas that interest young media professionals.
In the end, the decision for or against a career in journalism is an individual one. But one thing is certain: Junge Presse is passionately committed to promoting young people and supporting them on their path into the world of journalism.
Find out more about the organisation on their website.
