Young perspectives on Thuringia: Students discuss future topics

Young perspectives on Thuringia: Students discuss future topics

How can young people in Thuringia be kept, but also encouraged to stay in their homeland or return? This question recently asked themselves students of communication science at the University of Erfurt on their own talk show. With questions about central topics such as climate, mobility, economy and migration (invasion), you have given politicians from Thuringia the opportunity to explain your positions.

The development and production of this talk show was not only a school task, but a practical project to strengthen the media literacy of the students. Under the direction of Dr. Markus Seifert learned to organize a political valley show independently. This included intensive research, conducting preliminary talks with the guests, the wording of questions and writing a manuscript. The technical design of the studio and the moderation of the show were also challenges that they successfully mastered.

The timing of the recording was crucial. In view of the upcoming state election on September 1st, it was particularly important to the students to integrate the votes of young voters. The talk show offered a platform to make the specific needs and concerns of the younger generation visible. The exchange with the participating politicians was of great importance. Katharina Schenk (SPD), Bernhard Stengele (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen), Katja Wolf (BSW), Beate Meißner (CDU) and Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow (DIE LINKE) discussed in detail how politics in Thuringia should be designed to be attractive for young people.

The discussion in the "Wahlarena" was not only revealing, but also characterized by a respectful approach, which is not always a matter of course in the political debate. Despite their different party affairs, the guests agreed that Thuringia had many advantages that should be further promoted. This shows that it is also possible in a politically diverse environment to find common goals.

The 65-minute program was recorded on August 9, 2024 in the Gera television studio of the Thuringian media education center and will be available on the learning station "Labor14" and on YouTube from August 14th. The publication of the talk show enables a broad audience to find out about the political positions in Thuringia and to actively contribute to the upcoming election process.

Overall, this project shows how important the involvement of young people in political discussions and the influence of media literacy on the political awareness of the next generation can have. It remains to be seen to what extent this initiative contributes to strengthening young votes in Thuringia.