DISINFO: German public service is not neutral and serves the interests of those in power

DISINFORMATION CASE DETAILS

  • Outlet: de.rt.com ( archive )
  • Date of publication: August 07, 2024
  • Article language(s): German
  • Countries / regions discussed: Germany

AI translations:

DISINFO: German public service is not neutral and serves the interests of those in power

SUMMARY

As in its dealings with the AfD, the public broadcaster has also abandoned any attempt at objectivity and neutrality in its dealings with the BSW. It is simply playing politics in the interests of the governing parties. The "reporting" on BSW clearly shows that the idea of public service broadcasting in Germany has failed. It is not independent of the state, it is not neutral, it does not endeavour to be objective, but openly represents the interests and policies of the federal government and the established parties. This insight is not new, it has simply been confirmed once again.

RESPONSE

Disinformation about the German public broadcasting in connection with the coverage of the pro-Kremlin party BSW. The newly formed party BSW (Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht), around ex-left-party politician Sarah Wagenknecht, is known for its pro-Kremlin talking points. Wagenknecht regularly spreads disinformation and repeats pro-Russian propaganda, for example on the Russian attack on the children's hospital in Kyiv. The opinion piece on RT accuses now public broadcasters in Germany of lacking neutrality and objectivity, which is untrue.

The basis of public service broadcasting in Germany is the Basic Law, which guarantees freedom of broadcasting in Article 5. According to the Basic Law, public broadcasters are mandated to act as a medium for the free formation of public opinion and to fulfil society's democratic needs. They are to provide a comprehensive overview of events in all key areas of life. Funding is provided by licence fees, which makes public service broadcasting independent of advertising revenue.

On objectivity and impartiality of reporting of the public service broadcasting in Germany: The public service broadcasting in Germany is committed to independent and non-partisan reporting. It must not depend on the state, government, political parties or other interest groups. By its mandate, reporting must be truthful, factual, and objective. The public service broadcasting must present the greatest possible variety of topics and opinions in a balanced manner. This involves both a balanced selection of topics and a balanced presentation of different opinions on the topics. In this context, neutrality does not mean that all conceivable opinions must be presented equally - still, that reporting must be independent and impartial, and facts must be presented factually and objectively.

See other related disinformation on media and independent media Anglo-Saxons control the largest radio broadcasting companies and newspapers; Western media hide the real causes of the migration crisis on Belarus borders; US-controlled European media affect the outcome of the European elections.

Disclaimer

Cases in the EUvsDisinfo database focus on messages in the international information space that are identified as providing a partial, distorted, or false depiction of reality and spread key pro-Kremlin messages. This does not necessarily imply, however, that a given outlet is linked to the Kremlin or editorially pro-Kremlin, or that it has intentionally sought to disinform. EUvsDisinfo publications do not represent an official EU position, as the information and opinions expressed are based on media reporting and analysis of the East Stratcom Task Force.

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