MAZ celebrates 35-year anniversary
On Thursday, March 21, 2019, around 350 guests gathered at the Neubad in Lucerne to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the MAZ – The Swiss School of Journalism. From founding director Peter Schulz to current students in the journalism diploma program, the event brought together virtually everyone who is (or will soon be) a leading figure in journalism.
A lot has happened since the start of the first MAZ basic course in 1984: The Internet was invented, smartphones, Facebook and Twitter. And the media industry has been shaken by strikes, "waves of consolidation" and mass redundancies. And yet, year after year, the MAZ continues to train journalists in the diploma course in journalism - the further development of the basic course. Young professionals who stand for self-confident, strong journalism.
"We don't do everything, but what we do, we do well. That is our promise," said Diego Yanez, Director of the MAZ, in his welcoming address. Over the past 35 years, the MAZ has never stood still, but has constantly evolved, ventured into new areas and improved tried and tested ones. And it has never lost its focus and proximity to practice.
Res Strehle, President of the Foundation Board, looked to the future and formulated 3.5 wishes (analogous to the 35 years of existence) in his speech. One of these wishes was directed at editorial offices and publishers. They should not cut back on the training and further education of journalists: "And I am not saying this in my role as President of the MAZ Foundation Board. I'm saying this as a daily reader and user of journalism in Switzerland." Because, Strehle continues: "Attitude and knowing and following the rules of the trade are more important than ever. They distinguish journalistic content from that on social media, at the regulars' table and in the pub".
