RIAS BERLIN KOMMISSION

Looking to broaden your understanding of German-American relations, transatlantic relationships and join our growing alumni of over 1800 journalists in Germany and the U.S. Apply for the RIAS Berlin Commission 2026 programs!

June Program Dates:
June 14-June 27, 2026

September Program Dates:
September 6-19, 2026

🎤Program Highlights:
✔️Open to full time and freelance radio, TV and online journalists
✔️Must have at least 5 consecutive years as a working journalist
✔️No need to speak German
✔️Program covers round-trip airfare, travels costs within Germany and Belgium, along with hotel accommodation and some meals

📝 Application Package includes-
1️⃣Completed Application Form
2️⃣Resume
3️⃣One Letter of Recommendation
4️⃣One Essay

Applications are due by Sunday November 30, 2025

For more details visit: https://riasberlin.org/apply-for-programs/

We continue showcasing our gratitude for our RIAS alumni and their commitment to transatlantic relationships. Our alumni network of over 1800 spreads across the Atlantic and into many corners of the United States. Their dedication to building friendships and fostering connections among journalists is a fundamental part of our organization. Our alumni embody firsthand our mission and we thank them for their time! Today we head west to Texas, Chicago and Seattle.

We begin in the Lone Star State, where RIAS alum Yami Virgin hosted RIAS fellows Julia Lautzschmann and Elisabeth Kagermeier in San Antonio. A longtime host, Yami’s busy itinerary for Julia and Elisabeth included visits to Fox San Antonio and WOAI newsrooms. The journalists visited Camp Mystic with Yami, where they witnessed firsthand the resilience this region of the state has endured after the devastating floods this past summer. Julia and Elisabeth traveled to Austin where they visited the state capitol and had the opportunity to sit in on hearings.

Next, we head north up Interstate 35 where Gönna Ketels and Nadine Lindner spent their station days in Dallas. RIAS alums Jason Whitely and Dan Godwin, led tours of their respective newsrooms WFAA and Fox 4. Additionally, they organized insightful discussions on green energy with a conservative rancher and a meeting with a congresswoman affected by the recent redistricting in Texas. Gönna and Nadine's visit included a trip to the Fort Worth Stockyards and the exhilarating State Fair of Texas. The group finished off a busy few days with a Dallas Mavs game, accompanied by RIAS alums Marlissa Collier and Dionne Anglin.

Further north, Bo Hyun Kim and Jessica Körner were welcomed to the Windy City by RIAS alums Ryan Burrow and Erik Runge. Bo and Jessica visited WGN Radio and WGN TV where they shadowed Ryan and Erik in their day-to-day work. They had the opportunity to attend a protest outside an immigration detention center, speaking to activists and immigration advocates about the immigration climate. Their schedule included going to an American high school football, visiting Obama’s Chicago home and a trip to Wrigley Field home to the Chicago Cubs

Finishing off on the west coast, Constanze Kainz was welcomed to Seattle! She shadowed RIAS alums Matt Martin and Andy Hurst at NPR affiliate KUOW. During her visit she learned about KUOW’s podcast efforts, including the production of their daily newscast Seattle Now. RIAS alums Kristin Fraser and Art Land introduced her to aspects of Seattle life, including cheering on the University of Washington Huskies against Rutgers!

Join us in congratulating our October fellows! These 12 German journalists kickstarted their two-week program in New York City, Philadelphia and recently returned from their station days across the country. This week they’re in DC where they will discuss critical issues such as the first amendment, intimidation of the media, the government shutdown, and the future of German-American relations.

Constanze Kainz, ZEIT ONLINE, Berlin
Daniel Koop, WELT, Frankfurt am Main/Berlin
Sara Sievert, Table Media, Berlin
Elisabeth Kagermeier, BR/ARD, Munich
Carsten Upadek, WDR, Cologne
Bo Hyun Kim, HR/WDR/DLF Frankfurt am Main
Jessica Körner, RTL, Cologne
Burak Kahraman, RTL, Cologne
Gönna Ketels, Deutsche Welle, Berlin
Julia Lautzschmann, phoenix, Bonn
Mark Diening, ARD, Berlin
Nadine Lindner, Deutschlandradio, Berlin