The aim of this dissertation is to explain the changes taking place in the field of journalism education and training across Europe It also aims to present the situation in a country without formal journalism training until 1990.
This study was conducted with the premise that journalism is mainly an intellectual and social activity which is very important for democratic society. For this reason it would be more than valuable for those involved in the field to understand the importance of journalism education. Nowadays, there is still a strong debate, often polemic, about the nature of journalism studies. On the one hand, theoretical knowledge about journalism is considered to be necessary in society. On the other hand, practical knowledge is believed to be absolutely necessary for the profession. This debate has led to an educational dichotomy. In fact, this dichotomy is deeply rooted in the unequal development of modem industrial society and the different cultures which emerged in Europe before and during the nation-building process of the 18th and 19th centuries.
This debate about the nature of journalism studies also reflects the differences between the academic and the professional world. It should be noted, however, that journalism and press studies, in continental Europe, became a part of the university system long time before the emergence of this debate. Lectures in journalism were given at the German and Swiss universities by the beginning of the century.
Three main traditions emerged in journalism and journalism education and training in Europe. The first, could be called Industrial, developed mainly in USA and Great Britain. The second, could be called Philosophical, developed in Central Europe and the third, could be called Literary, developed in South Europe.