The Media Programme South East Europe of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) organised in cooperation with the Domestic Programme Division of the KAS a study trip for journalists and managers from public broadcasters to Germany. In Berlin and Hamburg, the participants coming from the ten countries targeted by the Media Programme gained insights into the functioning of public service media in Germany, the German media landscape as well as current aspects of domestic and foreign policy. In exchange with German colleagues, the group discussed the independence and financing of public service media, technological developments in the media sector and journalism education.
Public service broadcasting plays an important role in the media landscape as it is often the first source of information for citizens – at least in Germany. In a democratic society it is within the responsibility of public service media to make programme decisions which are beneficial for the users, regardless of political or commercial considerations. But this is not the case everywhere in the world. Not only public service media but the entire sector is facing major challenges – due to competitive, financial or political reasons. Since Germany is often considered point of orientation for South East Europe not only in terms of its political but also its journalistic work, the study visit to Berlin and Hamburg had the goal to introduce the German media system, in particular public service media.
The first part of the visit was the public broadcaster for Berlin-Brandenburg (rbb). Hendrik Sittig, head of the KAS Media Programme, welcomed the guests from South East Europe, presented the work of the Media Programme and gave a short introduction on the topics of the study visit. Afterwards, a discussion with the ARD General Secretary Dr Susanne Pfab took place. She gave a brief overview of the history of public service broadcasting in Germany and the structure of the ARD, the Working Group of Public Broadcasters of the Federal Republic of Germany. Pfab explained that the decentralized structure, the composition of supervisory bodies and the funding through license fees contribute to political independence and enable the fulfillment of the mandate.
Dr Jan Schulte-Kellinghaus, Programme Director at rbb, illustrated how television, radio programmes and online editors work together and create joint projects. In terms of multimedia work, the rbb is a pioneer in the ARD. During the conversation with participants, the topic of the influence of the broadcasting council on the programme was brought up. Schulte-Kellinghaus emphasised: "The Broadcasting Council does not tell us what we should report on. It merely consults." This was confirmed the following morning by the Chairwoman of the rbb Broadcasting Council, Pastor Friederike von Kirchbach: "We do not interfere with their autonomy. We criticize and commend in hindsight".
Dieter Pienkny, Deputy Chairman of the Broadcasting Council and Chairman of the Programme Committee, also took part in the meeting. He explained that the Broadcasting Council is only to a small extent filled with political representatives and should represent a cross-section of the population. That is why environmental organisations, churches, women's associations and many other socially relevant organisations are sending representatives to the 30-member Council. This mandate is linked to the clear order not to act on behalf of the sending organisation but in the interest of the population.
More in the event report here.