The Media Programme Sub-Sahara Africa of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and the Center for Journalism at the University of the Witwatersrand joined forces to host the inaugural Adenauer Media Lecture on the 19th of March 2024.
The topic of the first lecture was “Television is dead - long live television!” held by Prof. Dr. Claudia Nothelle, Professor of Television Journalism at the University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg-Stendal and former Programme Director of Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (ARD/rbb). The event, organized in the glamorous Senate Room at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, brought together students, academics, and media experts to explore the evolving landscape of television journalism in the digital age.
The Adenauer Media Lecture commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Dinesh Balliah, Director of the Center for Journalism at the University of the Witwatersrand, and Hendrik Sittig, Director of the Media Programme Sub-Sahara Africa at the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. Their opening remarks set the tone for an engaging and insightful discussion.
The highlight of the event was the lecture of Prof. Dr. Claudia Nothelle, a renowned expert in television journalism. She provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing television journalism in the multimedia era.
During her lecture, Prof. Nothelle posed thought-provoking questions such as "Why should TV survive?" and explored the rise of non-linear TV platforms in response to changing viewer habits and technological advancements. The audience actively engaged in the discussion, sharing their perspectives and insights on the future of television.
In his closing remarks, Hendrik Sittig expressed gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions and emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration in shaping the future of journalism.
The Adenauer Media Lecture concluded on a high note, leaving participants with much to ponder about the evolving role of television in the digital age. As the media landscape continues to evolve, events like these play a crucial role in fostering dialogue and driving innovation in journalism.
With the Adenauer Media Lecture, the Media Programme Sub-Sahara Africa of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung brings well-known and leading German journalists and media experts to universities in Africa to talk about current media issues from a German or European perspective. The aim is to promote the exchange of knowledge and experience in the media sector between Africa, Europe and Germany.
