NDR affair: editor-in-chief Lorentzen and political chief Stein released
Created: 09/01/2022 09:22
By: Moritz Serif
The NDR has to deal with allegations.
(Symbol photo) © dpa/picture alliance/Maurizio Gambarini
The NDR has relieved political chief Julia Stein and editor-in-chief Norbert Lorentzen of their duties.
However, the presumption of innocence applies.
Kiel –
NDR
has relieved political chief Julia Stein and editor-in-chief Norbert Lorentzen of their duties.
Stein and Lorentzen had previously asked the broadcaster to be released until the allegations were clarified, reports
Übermedien
.
"Norbert Lorentzen and Julia Stein asked me this afternoon to release them from their previous duties at the Schleswig-Holstein state radio station until further notice," said state radio station director Volker Thormählen.
“I have complied with their request and thank them for taking this step.
For the sake of good order, I would like to remind you that the presumption of innocence applies," said Thormählen.
Business Insider
writes that Deputy
Director and Editor-in-Chief Bettina Freitag and editor Andreas Schmidt from the "Politics and Research" department are temporarily taking over their duties.
NDR affair: are there "political filters"?
According to research by
Business Insider
and
Stern
, there are "political filters" at the broadcaster in Kiel - executives act like "press spokesmen for the ministries".
Critical issues would be downplayed.
An interview with a resigned CDU interior minister was prevented.
In addition, the NDR did not report on a drunk driving with accident consequences by the former CDU MP Hans-Jörn Arp.
Arp was considered a close confidant of Schleswig-Holstein's Prime Minister Daniel Günther.
In general, only the government was constantly questioned.
"No voice from the opposition, no critical voice from associations," says an editor who wishes to remain anonymous.
NDR: "Critical journalism is not possible like this"
"One has the impression that content is being filtered, that the editorial staff is no longer objective." That is a kind of anticipatory obedience.
“Editorial and broadcasting house leaders want to keep their well-paid contracts or move forward.
And that's why they don't want to step on anyone's toes.
But that's not how critical journalism is possible.”
NDR
disagrees with the allegations.
In the meantime, 72 NDR employees have written a fire letter to the broadcaster.
They demand "a complete and transparent processing of all allegations".
"We seriously considered and discussed whether we should even broadcast today," said news anchor Marie-Luise Bram.
One only found out about the new allegations from the press.
Ultimately, however, the team decided to broadcast.
(mse)