The RBB crisis over felt allegations fueled the debate in Saxony-Anhalt about the structures of public broadcasting in Germany. There was clear criticism in the state parliament.
Magdeburg (dpa/sa) – In Saxony-Anhalt, state politicians from several factions have complained about a loss of confidence in public broadcasting. In a two-hour debate in the Magdeburg state parliament on Thursday, they called for far-reaching structural reforms in order to increase public acceptance of public service broadcasting. Saxony-Anhalt’s head of state chancellery, Rainer Robra (CDU), also expressed criticism, but nevertheless campaigned for approval of an upcoming change to the media state treaty.
The parliamentary manager of the CDU parliamentary group, Markus Kurze, criticized the structures in public service broadcasting in clear terms. This was in a crisis and in many places “became too big and too expensive”. “We need him, but not in this size.” Kurz spoke of a “self-service mentality” in some institutions. If politicians and directors do not introduce any reforms, public acceptance of public service broadcasting will continue to dwindle.
In recent years, the federal states that are responsible for media policy have worked out a step towards reforming the basic structure and the mandate that ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio are to fulfil. In the fall, the Prime Ministers could sign the amendment to the State Media Treaty, after which the whole thing has to pass through the state parliaments. For example, it is about strengthening station control and enabling the media companies to act more flexibly when expanding their digital programs apart from ongoing TV and radio programs.
Kurz indicated that he was not satisfied with the results. It remains to be seen whether improvements can be made. The CDU politician also once again criticized the salaries of intendants and directors in the institutions and brought up mergers in smaller institutions such as in Saarland and Bremen. Something has to happen, he said. “That’s what the contributor expects from us.”
In the debate, several politicians critically addressed the felt allegations in the RBB. Holger Hövelmann (SPD) sees public service broadcasting in a crisis of trust and legitimacy. This needs an “acceptance boost among the population”, politicians in the countries have to initiate reforms. AfD politician Tobias Rausch also emphasized that trust had suffered.
The Greens are pushing for reforms. “It is crucial that public service broadcasting can emerge from the crisis in a more transparent and strengthened manner,” said media policy spokeswoman Dorothea Frederking. “That’s why reforms are needed in terms of mandate and structures.” However, this should be negotiated in the course of a new state treaty so that the current process is not held up.
Head of the State Chancellery Robra also expressed criticism. “Trust in public service broadcasting has been shaken.” Transparency is a prerequisite for acceptance, he said. Robra nevertheless campaigned for approval of the planned amendment to the State Media Treaty. This is a suitable basis for internal reforms in the institutions.
Robra told the German press agency that strengthening the bodies was particularly important to him in the amending state treaty. “I will do my utmost to ensure that the state parliament of Saxony-Anhalt sees this state treaty as a necessary intermediate step, which should now be successfully completed so that the bodies can start redefining their role.”
