“Some Jobs Will No Longer Exist in Journalism in the Future”
Charlotte Haunhorst, Head of Digital at Handelsblatt, sees the advances in artificial intelligence as a game changer for journalism. Haunhorst predicts that the news business in particular will become automated. She explains why journalism still has a future, how media professionals should position themselves now and why love is important for people.
Werksgelände: What does a Head of Digital actually do at Handelsblatt?
Charlotte Haunhorst: I am responsible for all digital-first channels in the editorial team. That means I’m responsible for the content of podcasts, newsletters, social media and data journalism. But I’m also the lieusaint between our product department and sales. So I spend a lot of time dealing with the question of who we want to reach as Handelsblatt and how we can convince people to buy a subscription to us. Cross-cutting topics such as artificial intelligence and what it means for journalism (a lot!) or audience development also fall under my remit.
What experience or talents should you have for the job?
A love of people. If you don’t like people, it’s difficult as a journalist and you’re usually not a particularly good manager either. Apart from that, the classics are important in my opinion: journalistic skills, curiosity and resilience.
Some jobs will no longer exist in journalism in the future. In my view, the news business in particular will become automated and we need to be prepared for this.
- Charlotte Haunhorst
What appeals to you about your job?
Everyone is currently talking about “purpose” in the job, i.e. the search for a higher meaning in what you do. Journalism doesn’t have a purpose problem. We provide an important service to society. I always think about that when I have some not-so-great tasks on my plate. For example, approving invoices or the hundredth coordination meeting.
What are the biggest challenges in your job?
The advancement of artificial intelligence will massively change journalism. I think we will focus more on our core tasks again – talking to people, researching what’s not yet on the internet, categorizing things personally. But that also means that some jobs in journalism will no longer exist in the future. In my view, the news business in particular will become automated and we need to be prepared for this.
What was your biggest flop on the job so far, and what have you learned from it?
I applied to a journalism school when I was 19 and was a total failure in the interview, including stuttering and crying. After that, I was so ashamed that I never wanted to apply to one again. Three years later, I had a great boss in an internship, Dirk von Gehlen at jetzt.de from the Süddeutsche Zeitung. He encouraged me to try again and it worked out wonderfully. Having someone who believes in you – that changes everything.
Charlotte’s tips the next generation
The job market for media professionals is better than everyone always says. We media companies are also feeling the shortage of skilled workers. Unlike in the past, many advertised positions really can be filled and you should definitely apply, even if you don’t meet all the requirements of the job advertisement. Personally, I remember good people from job interviews. And then often get in touch again later if it didn’t work out the first time, but another, more suitable position becomes available.
Charlotte Haunhorst
… has been Head of Digital and a member of the Editorial Board at Handelsblatt since October 2021. She is responsible for the content and strategic development of all of Handelsblatt’s digital channels as well as editorial product development. Before joining Handelsblatt, she headed the 15-member editorial team of the cross-media youth portal jetzt.de at Süddeutsche Zeitung.
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