Otfried Jarren

Otfried Jarren is a Full Professor of Journalism at the University of Zurich and holds honorary professorships at the Free University of Berlin. He has held leadership roles, including Director of the Institute of Journalism and Media Research (IPMZ) at the University of Zurich (1998–2008), Vice Rector for Humanities and Social Sciences (2008–2016), and President of the Federal Media Commission (EMEC) in Switzerland (2013–2021). His academic career spans roles at institutions like the Free University of Berlin and the University of Hamburg.

Education: Studied Journalism, Political Science, Folklore, and Sociology at the University of Münster (1973–1978). Advanced roles include Research Assistant at the Institute of Journalism (FU Berlin, 1979–1987), Managing Director of Journalism Training Programs (1987–1989), and Professorships in Hamburg and Zurich.

Research focuses on Communication and Media Policy, Political Communication, Media and Social Change, and Media Structures. He has contributed to initiatives like the Swiss Centre for Studies on the Global Information Society (SwissGIS) and the National Centres of Competence in Research (NCCR).

Awards include the Schader Prize (2018) and recognition for contributions to media policy and democratic discourse. His work addresses digital transformation, platform governance, and the role of public media in democracy.