International Exchange: Visitors from Eight African Countries

Guests from Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, and Senegal visited the HBI last week. Journalists, media professionals, and content creators participated in an informational tour organized by the Goethe-Institut.

The overarching theme was “Strengthening Media Resilience through Local Influencer Networks.” PD Dr. Jan-Hinrik Schmidt provided insight into the German media system and current trends in media consumption during a lecture with simultaneous interpretation. Topics included the role of public media and the growing importance of digital platforms and social media as news sources.

The subsequent discussion focused on the current challenges facing journalism and the media.

  • How independent are public media in various countries?
  • What role do alternative information sources play?
  • How can the credibility of fact-checks be assessed?

Group photo of the delegation's visit to the HBI with Jan-Hinrik Schmidt

Last update: 14.10.2026

Programme Area:

Program Area 1 Social Functions of Communication and Media

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