News
News, Publications, Projects, Blog Articles & Podcast Episodes from the Institute
M&K 3–4/2026 Has Been Published
The articles in issue 3–4/2026 of M&K address the architectural paradox of federated platforms (Simon Crins), a comparative analysis of media use among Danish and German police officers (Jochen Kinast / Johannes Riis, in English), and an exploratory typology of German fact-checkers (Johanna Radechovsky). All articles are available for download free of charge.
Law Enforcement Over Freedom of the Press?
Was the threatened search of the ZEIT newsroom and the seizure of audio recordings a disproportionate infringement on freedom of the press, or a permissible measure to preserve evidence? On the 3sat program “Kulturzeit,” HBI Research Director Wolfgang Schulz analyzes the controversy from a media law perspective.
Arms Deliveries to Ukraine: Viewpoint Diversity in German Media
Gregor Wiedemann, Laura Liebig, and Katharina Kleinen-von Königslöw examined how German leading media outlets covered arms deliveries to Ukraine. Using AI-assisted content analysis, they evaluated articles from 14 leading German media outlets published in 2022 and 2023.
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.
Due to retirement, the HBI is seeking a new head of IT: a full-time, permanent position with a 39-hour workweek, based in Hamburg or in a hybrid format. In this key role, you will shape the strategic development of a research institution at the intersection of IT, research, and public administration.
Meta Changes Its Terms of Service: What Does This Mean for Journalistic Content?
In a statement for the Science Media Center, Matthias C. Kettemann explains the copyright issues raised by Meta’s planned changes to its terms of service and the limits on the use of journalistic content for AI.
The German Press Agency in the Routledge Handbook of News Agencies
Hans-Ulrich Wagner summarizes the key facts and the history of the German Press Agency (dpa) in his contribution. From its founding in the postwar period to the present day, he describes the agency’s defining values and principles, as well as the challenges it currently faces.
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.
Event dates
Children and AI: Changing Digital Childhoods?
16. November 2026How is AI transforming children’s everyday lives? And what does this mean for children’s rights, wellbeing, and future opportunities? Claudia Lampert will discuss these questions with other experts at the panel discussion “Children and AI: Changing Digital Childhoods?”, jointly hosted by the HBI and the Hamburg Institute for Advanced Study (HIAS).
Hamburg
Research Meets Everyday Life: How Research Reaches Young People in Education, the Media, and Daily Life
18. November 2026At “Bildung4Future,” Claudia Lampert discusses how scientific findings can reach young people through digital media and educational programs.
Online