How Germany’s elites silence dissent in media and politics

German publisher exposes ‘medieval exclusion’ by media and political elites

Holger Friedrich, publisher of Berliner Zeitung, has spoken out against what he calls 'medieval exclusion tactics' in German media and politics. In a recent article, he detailed the backlash he faced after taking over Berliner Verlag in 2019, including smear campaigns and false accusations. Friedrich insists these attacks are part of a broader effort to silence dissent and maintain the dominance of established elites.

Separately, Wolfgang Friedrich—a politician from Sahra Wagenknecht’s BSW party—has also criticised Germany’s 'media elites', accusing them of suppressing alternative voices on issues like migration, the Ukraine war, and climate policies through censorship and narrative control.

Friedrich’s tenure at Berliner Zeitung began with ambitious goals: to reduce power imbalances, broaden access to marginalised groups, and shift influence away from traditional elites toward readers. His reforms, however, triggered fierce resistance. Opponents labelled him a 'Stasi publisher', a claim later dismissed by an independent commission—though critics still repeat it.

The publisher has condemned what he describes as systematic efforts to discredit reformers in media and politics. He warns that such tactics—ranging from defamation to deplatforming—are eroding public trust in journalism and threatening free expression. Despite the pushback, Friedrich remains defiant, vowing to continue his fight for press freedom. His latest pledge includes publishing a detailed, transparent report on the Weltbühne acquisition, a move he frames as part of his commitment to accountability. Meanwhile, he rejects accusations of antisemitism, reaffirming his dedication to protecting Jewish life and culture. The broader debate over media power has intensified since 2023, with figures like BSW’s Wolfgang Friedrich amplifying criticism of mainstream outlets. The party’s platform, echoed in speeches, argues that established media use exclusionary tactics—censorship, smear campaigns, and controlled narratives—to stifle debate on contentious topics. Rising alternative platforms, from podcasts to AfD-aligned channels, have further fuelled tensions, as traditional elites struggle to retain influence.

Friedrich’s account highlights the growing polarisation in Germany’s media landscape. His calls for reform and transparency come amid mounting concerns over declining trust in journalism. The dispute also underscores deeper divisions, as critics of the mainstream—including BSW and AfD—continue to challenge the dominance of long-standing media institutions. An independent review cleared Friedrich of the 'Stasi publisher' allegation, but the label persists among opponents. His promise to document the Weltbühne deal signals an ongoing push for openness, even as attacks on his reputation continue.