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Radio journalism in Namibia

During her internship abroad, former journalism student Hannah Kersting (Media University Cologne) was able to get a closer look at working at a radio station. While volunteering at Hitradio Namibia in Windhoek, she not only had the chance to gain practical experience, but also to explore the fascinating country in southern Africa.

On Air: Hannah Kersting hosted the afternoon show at Hitradio Namibia in Windhoek.

On Air: Hannah Kersting hosted the afternoon show at Hitradio Namibia in Windhoek.

Where did you do your internship and in which department?

For my internship I was at Hitradio Namibia, a German-language radio station in Namibia's capital Windhoek. The editorial department was very small and I was fully involved in all areas. So there were no real departments there at all.

How did you like it? Would you recommend it to other Media University students?

My internship abroad was an incredibly wonderful experience! I was able to learn a lot on a professional level, try out my journalistic skills and also develop personally. A stay abroad like that always makes you a bit more independent and courageous.

I can only recommend all Media University students to do their internship in a foreign country: Take the plunge, you won't regret it!

What was the biggest challenge during your internship abroad?

The people in Namibia are very hospitable and welcoming - but punctuality and reliability are just not that important to them. That was sometimes a challenge, you just have to have a lot of patience.

The everyday poverty and misery you see on the streets was very stressful for me. I strongly questioned our living standards in Europe and now look at the German-Namibian relationship from a different perspective. One should be very aware of one's role as part of a German-speaking elite in Namibia.

The daily workplace: the studio of Hitradio Namibia
The daily workplace: the studio of Hitradio Namibia

 

Please tell us more about your areas of work: What were your main tasks during your internship? Which contents from your studies were reflected in your work or were particularly helpful to you?

I started hosting the afternoon show right from the start. Alternating with my fellow intern, I then took the reins two or three times a week from 4 to 5 pm. I did research, conducted interviews and produced reports. The team at Hitradio Namibia gave me a lot of freedom. I had visitors from aid organizations in the studio, dealt with scientific topics, talked to colleagues and looked at what was currently on people's minds in Windhoek. All of this was then part of my show, which I hosted and arranged with music. I also researched and recorded the daily event tips and produced the hourly news.

It helped me a lot that my internship wasn't the first time I sat in front of the microphone. During my studies, we had several opportunities to produce our own radio reports and also to set TV reports to music. I was also able to practice writing for the radio and journalistic work.

 

Has the internship helped you with regard to your career goals and plans for the future?

Definitely! Whether it's radio or podcasting - I'm sure I'll remain loyal to the medium radio in one way or another. The internship abroad was a milestone for me. For now, I'm doing my master's degree and will probably then do a traineeship. But for me, it's clearly journalism and less corporate communications, I know that for sure!

What would you recommend to other Media University students for their internship/semester abroad?

Be confident and enjoy it! Do some networking, get to know people, and spend your weekends exploring the country you're in. This time is truly unique!

Thank you for the exciting insights. We wish you all the best!