The renowned journalist and presenter Vivian Perkovic (3Sat, WDR, Deutschlandfunk, RBB) was a guest in the seminar "Between amateurs and professionals: pop music journalism in society" on 3 July 2025 at the invitation of Prof. Dr. Christoph Jacke. Perkovic discussed current developments and challenges in the dynamic field of (pop) music journalism with the seminar's Master's students via video link.
The lively, productive exchange covered a wide range of current issues, from the role of public service media in times of media and (pop) cultural upheaval to the journalistic standard of reporting on pop music and culture (for Perkovic always in a social context) to dealing with fake news and disinformation as a breeding ground for extremism and the importance of the EU's Digital Services Act. As an established radio presenter in a variety of well-known formats (including "Kulturzeit", "PULS", "comso TV", "Funkhaus Europa"), Perkovic has been continuously and highly professionally close to the media, cultural and musical developments of our time for over 20 years. Her analysis of the current situation of radio and broadcast journalism in Germany was correspondingly precise and at times highly critical. For example, the young target groups and the problems of digital platforms and A.I. have been lost sight of and a public, well-curated, editorially supported internet is apparently still unlikely. The necessary depth and contextualisation of music scenes or stars, for example, would also be neglected, as was previously established by intellectual music journalism, for example in the now defunct magazine "Spex". On the other hand, she showed an interest in the students' perspective and was very curious and open to a change of perspective. The conclusion of this fast-paced discussion was the general desire for media-competent, critical journalistic support for society - also and especially in cultures, the arts and, above all, pop music.
In addition to the intensive problem analysis and discussion of possible solutions, there was still time for one or two anecdotes from the everyday life of an experienced cultural and music journalist. For example, the German and South Slavic studies graduate described her obscure interview with the controversial global star and now very problematic rapper Kanye West 20 years ago, during which he asked her in Cologne what the strange, large, old building next to the small Louis Vuitton shop on the Domplatte was.
The "C:POP" research centre and the Popular Music and Media study programmes would like to thank Vivian Perkovic for the very productive visit, which mediated between quality journalistic practice, science and pop, but was unfortunately far too short, and look forward to hopefully welcoming Perkovic again as a guest soon.
Text and photos/screenshots: Lennart Hanke/Christoph Jacke
Contact: Prof Dr Christoph Jacke
