Media History

The “Media History” research group examines the role of communication and the media in social and societal processes from two perspectives within the history of media and communication – on the one hand, as communication in the past, and on the other, as communication about the past.

In the first case, media providers, communicators and communicative processes are examined in terms of their significance for historical processes of transformation. One example of this is the project on the history of Hessischer Rundfunk in the post-war period.

In the second instance, studies are being carried out on the valuation of the past, based on the fundamental changes in the constellation of actors and communicative practices in digital interactive media. This research into practices of remembrance and a ‘digital media history’ is being carried out in close collaboration with the Leibniz Research Network ‘Value of the Past’ in its 2nd phase (2025–2029) and Research Group 3 ‘Participation and Appropriation’, which is part of it.

Head of the research group: Dr. Hans-Ulrich Wagner

Photo by Pablo García Saldaña on Unsplash

Overview

Last update: 16.09.2026

Blog Articles, News, Projects, Publications, Podcast Episodes

Cover of the current issue of the magazine “KJug” (3/2026)
New KJug Issue Has Been Published

Protecting Children and Young People in an Increasingly Digitalized World

In the latest issue of KJug, Claudia Lampert presents the EU Kids Online research consortium's findings on how children and adolescents view a potential social media ban. Kira Thiel shares insights from her dissertation, which examines how adolescents cope with problematic online experiences and the strategies they use to manage them.

Harry Hermann Spitz
New German Biography

A Portrait of Harry Hermann Spitz

Who was Harry Hermann Spitz? The short answer: From 1947 to 1957, he was the music director of Northwest German Broadcasting (NWDR), or North German Broadcasting (NDR). Hans-Ulrich Wagner provides the longer answer in his article for the New German Biography portal.

Nonfiction Book Cover: No Child's Play
Recently Published!

No Child’s Play – Protecting Minors in the Digital Age

In his nonfiction book, Stephan Dreyer analyzes the complex field of youth media protection. Through his examination of legal regulations, actual usage, and technological developments, he offers valuable insights for individuals involved in this topic in the realms of practice, administration, politics, and academia.

Schriftzug im Kopf der Zeitschrift
Call for Papers for M&K Special Issue

Communicative AI as Methodological Toolbox and Research Companion

The editorial board of M&K is calling for submissions for an English-language special issue of M&K on “Communicative AI as a Methodological Toolbox and Research Companion.” The guest editors are Stephanie Geise, Marko Bachl, Merja Mahrt, and Annie Waldherr.

Hans-Ulrich Wagner
Feature on the WDR program “Aktuelle Stunde”

80 Years of the Radio Program “Echo of the Day”

How should radio journalism have sounded in the aftermath of National Socialism? What qualifications did journalists need to help shape this new beginning? To mark the 80th anniversary of the radio show “Echo of the Day,” media historian Hans-Ulrich Wagner discusses these topics on the WDR program “Current Hour.”

Podcast Bild
Podcast "historycast"

Thomas Mann’s BBC Speeches from Exile and Postwar Radio Broadcasting

In this episode of "historycast, " host Heiner Wember speaks with media historian Hans-Ulrich Wagner about the impact of Thomas Mann’s "German Listeners" speeches, which were broadcast on the BBC's international service at the time, and the significance of public broadcasting for democratic development in Germany up to the present day.

Verkabelte und vernetzte Systeme in einem Rechenzentrum.
Article in Leibniz Magazine

How Can AI Development Become Safer—and More Equitable?

In his article, Matthias C. Kettemann explains why it is good that Dario Amodei, Sam Altman, and Elon Musk want to slow down. However, he adds, "It is important that they share the time they hope to gain with those who need it most, so that they can acquire the capabilities and expertise necessary to enable both private and public use of AI for the benefit of all."

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

International Exchange: Visitors from Eight African Countries

As part of an informational tour organized by the Goethe-Institut, African media professionals met with Jan-Hinrik Schmidt at the HBI to discuss the German media system and current trends in media consumption.

Jan Rau
Interview on Bayern 2

Could the European Platform W Social Be an Alternative to X?

W Social is emerging as a European alternative to well-established social media platforms like X, offering greater data protection and less hate and disinformation. However, for such platforms to truly be an alternative, there needs to be "societal momentum," Jan Rau says in an interview.

Jan Rau
Interview for The Guardian

How Elon Musk Is Meddling in German Politics

In the daily newspaper The Guardian, Jan Rau explains how the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party benefits from Elon Musk and why its influence is nevertheless limited. He studies the dynamics of media attention at the HBI's Research Institute Social Cohesion.

Portrait von Stephan Dreyer
Protection of Children and Young People

EU KIDS Act – Proposed Social Media Regulation

In his statement for the Science Media Center, Stephan Dreyer explains that with the EU KIDS Act, the European Commission is proposing "nothing less than a comprehensive EU regulatory framework for the protection of minors in the digital space." The draft regulation aims to enforce new requirements for digital services to better protect children and adolescents.

Portrait von Prof. Dr. Matthias Kettemann
Expert Opinion for the SMC

Should AI Development Be Slowed Down?

In his statement for the Science Media Center, Matthias Kettemann explains that the proposal by Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei for a controlled slowdown in current AI development should be taken more seriously than previous calls for a “pause.” Unlike those previous calls, Amodei's proposal is not vague.

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