AnneMarie Hunter
About Amercian and German Journalists

If someone had told me in May I would be working for HNA in September, I believe I would have laughed. However, what might have seemed a most unlikely possibility in May became reality Monday morning. For the next month, I will be working as an exchange journalist in the HNA newsroom. From the initial meeting with my new colleagues this week, I have been part of the process of publishing a daily newspaper here.

By AnneMarie Hunter

Kassel - I attend morning meetings to review the previous day’s publications, and afternoon planning sessions for the following day’s paper. As a photographer, I have also accompanied reporters on assignments to create images for their articles. During this first week, I’ve discovered parallels to my own experience as a journalist in the States. Though the countries and languages may differ, similarities eclipse those differences.
 
Regardless of the country or publication, constant change is the single element that never changes in a newsroom. At a moment’s notice, priorities adjust and existing plans are revised or adapted. In order to meet these challenges, communication among the team is key. The exchange of ideas, as well as problem-solving, occur throughout the day. Often this takes place while we are also writing to meet deadlines. A breaking news event can take precedence over a scheduled article. Like dominoes, this new story influences existing plans. Revisiting and revising schedules happens on the spot.

Authentic stories create trust

Journalists, whether in Germany, the United States or around the world, also share similar experiences outside the newsroom. During the past several years, many of us have encountered increasing scrutiny from both subjects and readers. In this intensifying atmosphere of scepticism, our role, motives and stories are frequently questioned and criticized.

This current climate reverberates with mistrust of journalists - and journalism itself. Some are persuaded we do not tell the truth, convinced that the purpose of our stories is to mislead and misrepresent. Others, from individuals to nations, fear the truth in our words.
 
For myself, I believe the best response is to remain focused on the reasons I do this work. At the core, my intention is to write authentic stories that both honor my subjects and the truth. During this past week, I have learned that I share this heart with my colleagues at HNA.