Oliver Haustein-Teßmer, academically affiliated with the Executive Programme in News Innovation and Leadership at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York (CUNY), explores new ways of digital journalism to promote social cohesion. How does local journalism remain relevant and economically viable despite declining trust in media and multiple crises? The project relates to the super election year 2024 with a focus on Brandenburg and Saxony. The Mercator Fellow is investigating how diverse, needs-based and data-driven reporting can give more people a voice and engage new target groups.
Oliver Haustein-Teßmer is editor-in-chief of the “Lausitzer Rundschau” in Cottbus (LR) and the “Märkische Oderzeitung” in Frankfurt (Oder), specialising in digital transformation. After studying history and politics in Berlin, Munich and Paris, he completed a traineeship at LR, worked as an editor at Axel Springer for “Welt”, “Berliner Morgenpost” and “Welt am Sonntag” and as head of news at “Trierischer Volksfreund”. He is involved in journalistic training and further education.