The WhatsApp message from you has caused widespread criticism. Among them, in response to Julian Reichelt, the editor-in-chief of Bild at the time, you wrote to the German media and political circles that he was “the last and only German who still bravely rebelled against the East). Journalists of the new German government. Almost all of them have become propaganda assistants.” From the ranks of the Federal Association of Digital Publishers and Newspaper Publishers (BDZV), there are voices asking you to resign as the chairman of the association. Are you regressing?
I think the association has achieved a lot in recent years and has contributed to ensuring that we have one of the most important foundations for future digital journalism at the European level. But I also believe that the most important thing is still ahead. Our main goals for the next few years are: to protect the infrastructure for newspaper delivery. Restrict the expansion of public service broadcasters in the network, especially in regional and local reports. Implement fair supervision and taxation of international technology companies. And firmly established licensing revenue as the third pillar of news financing alongside sales and advertising revenue. However, if most members think that I have become a burden on the association through the very unfortunate expression of private exchange of opinions, then I will of course accept it.
It will be discussed in BDZV on November 24th. How do you assess the situation?
In my opinion, the important thing is that the association does not just resume business. After all, it is a matter of principle. I am currently criticized, but I have also received strong support from members and regional associations. As the chairperson, it is very important for me to discuss this topic at the next meeting. Then we will wait and see.
You expressed regret about the Whatsapp messages and pointed out that these words were used in private messages and are “part of a confidential conversation.” There is such a thing as “the emotional, provocative, irrational, and spontaneous internal operation of bilateral dialogue.” I think this always applies. The question remains: what do you mean by “the authoritarian state of the new East Germany” and “propaganda assistant”? With this, you can determine the constitution of our country and politics and the press.
Perhaps, for the sake of honesty, we will all check our statements in private chats. I am afraid that people without superpowers sometimes say things that shouldn’t be said, can’t say things, and may even be insulting. I am an emotional person, and I admit that I did it in private conversations. For this statement, I apologize many times from the bottom of my heart. Anyone who knows me knows that I definitely don’t think so. Of course, the Federal Republic cannot be compared with East Germany. Since I wrote my first article in your newspaper FAZ four years ago, I have been committed to free, independent, and critical journalism. I mean: I want to see more critical news reports on this topic. This is the message. This is neither anti-democratic nor contempt of journalists. I never want to accuse journalists of a general lack of independence.
