The Importance of "Showing Up": Julian Heissler's Career Has Enriched His Understanding of the U.S.

Julian Heissler is a U.S. correspondent for the German weekly business news magazine WirtschaftsWoche. A graduate of Freie University Berlin and Hamburg Media School, Heissler covered German national politics in Berlin for a variety of news outlets before his movee to the United States. His career here has allowed him to travel throughout most of the country, which still manages to leave him “amazed how this diverse country manages to maintain its common character despite all regional differences.”

Julian Heissler

“80 percent of success is showing up,” Heissler observes in an interview with The Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the United States (AFPC-USA). This philosophy served him well when he freelanced for a while in Washington, D.C. after his wife was offered a position at another newspaper. When a position with WirtschaftsWoche opened up, he was “already on the ground.” He’s since learned a lot about American politics and society and mentions the challenges he faces in communicating its nuances to his German audience.

Heissler’s story is yet another example of the grit and determination that characterizes the foreign correspondents we’ve previously profiled here at ForeignPress.org. He’s evolved as a reporter and urges his fellow correspondents to understand that their experiences here will change their minds about a host of different issues, a process they should expect “to take some time.”

What aspects of your home country do Americans typically overlook or misunderstand?  

In my experience Germany has a pretty good standing in the American public. The ties between Washington and Berlin are close and lots of Americans have German heritage or served on one of the many military bases in the country. But despite those close connections many Americans are surprised about the cultural diversity in Germany. The cliché of Beer, Bratwurst and Lederhosen is sometimes hard to overcome. I’m not saying it’s wrong—but it doesn’t capture all of German society.

How do people in your home country perceive the United States and Americans?  

Overall, there is a lot of fascination with the U.S.. Germans listen to American music, watch American movies and TV, and wear American clothes. But there are significant differences in attitudes and world views. Also, there is a strain of anti-Americanism running through parts of German society that can easily be activated. But the more experience Germans have with Americans, the more they tend to like them. I’m originally from the south of Germany where a lot of Americans were stationed after World War 2. The army base in my hometown of Würzburg closed down decades ago, but people still miss it. 

How would you describe your impressions and observations of the United States? 

I’ve covered American politics and economics for almost six years now, traveled to around 40 states – and I’m still amazed how this diverse country manages to maintain its common character despite all regional differences. Coming from Europe with its very distinct national identities playing out on a relatively small patch of land I’m still fascinated how the United States managed to create a distinct American character that is present from Maine to California. It is a testament to the strengths of the ideas that are underpinning this country..

Why were you specifically chosen to work as a foreign correspondent in the United States instead of another country?  

I was lucky. My wife got offered a job as a correspondent in D.C. for a newspaper and I tagged along, freelancing at first. So, when the position of U.S. correspondent for WirtschaftsWoche opened up I was already on the ground. And as they say: 80 percent of success is showing up.

Among the stories you have covered in the United States, which do you consider the most significant and why?  

The political realignment following the 2016 election. The shift away from basically economic issues like the size and role of government towards a more identity focused politics is probably the political mega trend of our time—and it influences democracies around the globe. So, trying to understand and explain this trend to my readership is hugely consequential. Also, I’m fascinated by the role of freedom in American society—and how different interpretations of this most American value are shaping the nation. It seems to me that Europeans sometimes struggle with grasping the special meaning of freedom for Americans. That’s why I just wrote a book about it.

What challenges did you face when starting your work as a foreign correspondent in the United States?  

Mostly administrative stuff. Navigating the bureaucracy when it comes to credentials took a while. 

How has your experience working in the United States shaped and influenced your career as a foreign correspondent?

This is my first permanent posting abroad, so that remains to be seen.

What are some key insights or observations you gained about American society and its political landscape during your time reporting in the country?

You realize quickly that things are much more complex than they might seem. There are lots of preconceptions floating around about the U.S. in Germany and though they are usually somewhat anchored in reality they are often a bit too simplistic. My colleagues in the German press core are doing a great job explaining the finer details about American politics and society—but it’s challenging to consistently get this point across. Terminology like “Two-Party-System” or “Partisan Divide” are obviously accurate—but they also imply a simplicity or cohesion that is usually not there.

Did you find any significant variations in media practices or journalistic norms between your home country and the United States?

I am a huge fan of the American tradition of separating reporting and opinion writing. In Germany it is common for reporters and correspondents to also publish opinion pieces. In my estimation the American approach is preferable. Even though I also sometimes write for the comment section of our magazine I try to keep this to a minimum. 

How do you balance your role as an impartial journalist with the potential impact your reporting may have on diplomatic relations between your home country and the United States?

I don’t think about that. I do my job as a correspondent. Worrying about diplomacy is for diplomats.

What advice would you give to aspiring foreign correspondents looking to work in the United States or other foreign countries?

Be open, be humble, and be patient. Everyone starting to work here comes with a set of preconceptions. Those might not be wrong but they most likely won’t cover the whole picture. So be prepared to have your mind changed—and for this process to take some time.