S2 Ep7: Ellen Heinrichs | Bonn Institute

Today, I am joined by journalist and entrepreneur Ellen
Heinrichs. She is the founder and CEO of the Bonn Institute for
Journalism and constructive dialog which supports
solutions-oriented journalism by working with media companies and
research institutes to analyze the impact of constructive
approaches. I met Ellen more than a decade ago when we both
worked for Deutsche Welle. She helped found the internal network
DW Minds and the DW Innovation Lab. She was the first German to
be a fellow at the Constructive Institute at Aarhus University in
Denmark.





Some key takeaways:


constructive journalism has three components:

it is solution-oriented which means that throughout the
journalistic process, a critical look at solutions is
taken 

it enriches journalism with more perspectives - it is
supposed to be more nuanced and therefore less polarizing

journalism contributes to constructive debates in society
by e.g. asking different questions that trigger vivid dialog



we need to add more skills into our journalistic toolbox

critical thinking doesn't always mean negative thinking

potential solutions can activate resources that are
already there - solutions-focus can be more helpful for the
future whereas negative talk can create only problems

systemic thinking - typical storytelling of focusing on
conflict and having a hero need to be questioned



we need to tell different stories that do not stress people
but resonate with their resources. journalism should activate
them and help them think about what they can actually do

journalism should be a service profession - providing public
with information they need

journalism is not just about telling stories but also
listening to what's relevant

Bonn Institute offers workshops, conduct studies and brings
attention to the topic of constructive journalism at conferences
and events






More links:


Bonn Institute






Welcome to the international edition of my podcast Rath Up. I am
your host Linda Rath and I interview entrepreneurs who I admire
and look up to. I want to know more about their business AND ....
What drives them? What inspires them? I believe you need so much
more than just talent and skills to be successful in business.
So, let's find out what secrets our entrepreneurs will reveal to
us. 


If you have any questions or want to share some thoughts, feel
free to contact me via Twitter @Lynda420. I am your host Linda
Rath and I am looking forward to connecting with you in my next
episode.


This episode is brought to you by Media Tech Hub Potsdam. It is
one of 12 digital hubs in Germany, initiated by the Federal
Ministry of Economics and Energy – and the only one with a focus
on MediaTech. it encompasses a working space, an accelerator and
an annual conference and i highly recommend you check it out if
you want to start a business and look for networking
opportunities. I am an entrepreneur myself and our startup
Vragments used to be located at the media tech lab in Potsdam.


Credits:





Produced by Linda Rath

Photo by Ellen Heinrichs

Photo Linda Rath by Stefan Walter for Causalux Fotos 

Podcast Cover by Nicole Koppe

Episode Cover Art by Stephan Gensch

Music/Jingles by Mara Niese