News
News, Publications, Projects, Blog Articles & Podcast Episodes from the Institute
Professorship (W3) for Informatics with a Focus on Societal Communication
The Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans-Bredow-Institut (HBI) and the University of Hamburg are seeking to fill a W3 Professorship in Informatics with a Focus on Societal Communication, effective January 1, 2028. Applications will be accepted until December 10, 2026.
Congratulations, Vincent Hofmann Garcia!
Vincent Hofmann Garcia has successfully defended his dissertation on the topic “Diversity in Broadcasting—Concept and Conceptions of a Key Constitutional Term.” We extend our warmest congratulations! The dissertation was supervised by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Schulz and Prof. Dr. Marion Albers; the defense took place on October 28, 2026, at the HBI.
Can the Quality of Online Discussions Be Automatically Assessed—and Improved?
In their publication, Patrick Frey, Cornelius Puschmann (ZeMKI, University of Bremen), Smita Bhattacharya, and Gregor Wiedemann (HBI) explore whetherAI can measure the quality of online discussions. The study demonstrates that AI can identify violations of norms and serve as a tool for crafting counterarguments tailored to specific debates.
IT Admin / Programmer
The HBI has the following position available immediately: IT Administrator, Programmer (m/f/d) | EG 11 TV-L | 100% full-time. The weekly work schedule is 39 hours. The position is initially limited to 2 years as a replacement for an employee on long-term sick leave. The job is based in Hamburg. Remote work is possible by arrangement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Event dates
Film Discussion: “The Dopamine Trap—The Neurotransmitter and Social Media”
2. November 2026At the SILBERSALZ Science & Media Festival, Kira Thiel discusses the impact of social media and how to use digital platforms with students.
Halle/Saale
Walter Bauer Symposium
3. November 2026Hans-Ulrich Wagner will speak at the Walter Bauer Symposium at Merseburg University of Applied Sciences about the writer's radio plays from the postwar years.
Merseburg