Bernhard Pörksen

Bernhard Pörksen is a Professor of Media Studies at the Institute of Media Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Tübingen, where he focuses on print and online media. He has held academic positions at the University of Greifswald, University of Hamburg, and University of Münster, and has been a full professor in Tübingen since 2008. He served as Head of Department and founding director of the Institute from 2009 to 2011.

His research centers on media scandals, media ethics, journalism, constructivism, cybernetics, and media transformation. He investigates the dynamics of public outrage, the evolution of journalistic practices, and the role of language in shaping perception. His work is deeply influenced by constructivist epistemology and second-order cybernetics, engaging with thinkers like Heinz von Foerster and Humberto Maturana.

The analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on the emotionalization of public discourse, the destabilization of truth in digital media, and the philosophical underpinnings of communication. His work bridges theoretical depth with societal relevance, particularly in understanding how media shapes collective reality.

Scientific Awards:

• Professor of the Year 2008 (Unicum jury, Humanities, Social and Cultural Sciences)

Bernhard Pörksen has supervised numerous collaborative book projects with students, including "Trendbuch Journalismus", "Medienmenschen", "Skandal!", "Die Casting-Gesellschaft", and "Die gehetzte Politik". He has been involved in significant research networks such as the DFG network on 'Integrative Theory Concepts in Communication Science'. He has also served as a reviewer for major journals and as a consulting editor for academic publications.

He is actively involved in academic publishing, serving on the advisory boards of journals such as "Cybernetics & Human Knowing", "Constructivist Foundations", "message", and "Pop". He also co-publishes book series including "Sprache in der Gesellschaft" (Peter Lang) and "Systemische Horizonte" (Carl-Auer-Verlag).