Tanja Köhler

Overview

Prof. Tanja Köhler holds the rank of Professor for Digital Journalism and Audiovisual Media at Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS), serving as Vice Dean of the Department of Engineering and Communication. She leads the Master's program in Digital Communication and Media Innovation, and co-directs the Institute for Media Development and Analysis (IMEA). Her academic career is complemented by over 20 years in public broadcasting, including roles as Deputy Head of News and Editor-in-Chief of Digital News at Deutschlandfunk.

Education & Professional Background

• PhD (2005): Ruhr-University Bochum, Crisis Communication in the Internet
• Magister Artium (2000): University of Cologne, Public Communication, American Studies, Germanistics
• Professional Experience: Journalist and media producer at ZDF/3sat, WDR, SWR; Fellowships with Robert Bosch Foundation and Mercator Foundation

Research & Teaching

Her work focuses on digital media transformation, inclusive journalism, and media ethics. Key topics include:
- Digital Journalism Practices
- Audiovisual Media Innovation
- Linguistic Diversity in Reporting
- Accessibility in Media Communication

Award Highlights

• Professor of the Year 2023 (3rd place, Unicum Foundation)
• Ausgezeichnete Orte im Land der Ideen (2015, for 'nachrichtenleicht' project)
• ITB-Buch-Award 2009 (Travel Guide 'Ruhrgebiet – Kulturhauptstadt 2010')

Advising & Initiatives

Launched the Förderpreis Informationskompetenz award for research on misinformation and collaborates with media organizations like Deutsche Telekom and Bauer Media Group to provide student internship placements. Spearheaded the digital magazine Werksgelände showcasing student media projects.

Media Engagement

Active in public discourse through interviews on topics like gender-inclusive language in journalism and digital transformation challenges. Her 2011 documentary Traumhaftes Rosenlaui was nominated for a film award.