One Year Ago, Alexander Teske Published Inside Tagesschau—A Tell-All About His Six Years as an Editor at Germany's Flagship News Program
Ex-Tagesschau editor Alexander Teske exposes media's hidden pressures in bestselling book
In his book, Teske reflects on who holds the reins at Germany's most influential news broadcast, which stories make the cut, and which topics are sidelined. He criticizes what he sees as a lack of interest in eastern Germany and alleges political bias in coverage. This Sunday, Teske will read from his work at the Börse in Coswig.
A Close Look at Editorial Power, Expert Selection, and the Blurred Lines Between Politics and Media
Teske's account zeroes in on the inner workings of Tagesschau, from the curation of news items to the debates over which stories land in the prime-time bulletin. He describes a system where editorial decisions, expert selection, and the interplay between politics and media raise questions about journalistic independence. His revelations have sparked widespread debate—both in the press and among media scholars—about the delicate balance between editorial distance and institutional ties.
A Bestseller That Struck a Nerve
The book generated immense interest, with media outlets dissecting Teske's claims about the cozy relationship between politics and journalism, as well as the process behind expert selection. By the end of 2025, Inside Tagesschau had climbed to 12th place on the nonfiction bestseller list.
Before joining Tagesschau, Teske spent 15 years as a news editor at MDR (Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk), an experience that shapes his critique of public broadcasting's structural flaws. Since the book's release, he has contributed regularly to taz, Der Freitag, and the Berliner Zeitung. Alongside three other former public broadcaster journalists, he co-founded the podcast "Sachlich richtig" ("Factually Correct"), now part of the newly launched Ostdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung, whose first issue appears this Friday.
A Nationwide Tour—And a Hunger for Debate
Since publication, Teske has taken his book on the road, with nearly 50 events in cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Karlsruhe. Many of these evenings stretched for up to three hours, as audiences peppered him with questions—about MDR's role, the future of public broadcasting, and the rise of alternative media platforms.
Recurring themes at his readings and panel discussions include expert selection, political slant in news coverage, and the unique challenges of reporting on eastern Germany. Teske insists his critique targets systemic issues, not individuals. Critics accuse him of overgeneralizing isolated cases, while supporters argue his findings underscore the need for reform.
This Sunday: A Reading in Coswig
Alexander Teske will appear at Börse Coswig at 6:00 PM, where he will read excerpts, share behind-the-scenes insights, take audience questions, and sign copies of his book. Tickets cost €15, and organizers promise ample time for discussion.
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