Germany's Deutsche Welle faces €10M cuts, threatening global journalism mission
In response to the budget cuts at Deutsche Welle, Awet Tesfaiesus, chair of the Committee on Culture and Media, stated:
At a time when free press around the world is facing growing pressure, the cuts to Deutsche Welle send a disastrous signal for independent journalism—and, by extension, for democracy. It should have been the federal government's responsibility to stand firmly behind Deutsche Welle. Instead, it is acting in direct contradiction to its coalition agreement, shifting the consequences of its actions onto the shoulders of the broadcaster's employees and leadership.
It was a positive sign when the coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD explicitly pledged to strengthen Deutsche Welle. Yet rather than honoring this commitment, the government has slashed the broadcaster's funding in the federal budget by €10 million. These cuts now force Deutsche Welle's management to make sweeping reductions in staff—and, as a result, in its programming.
With its offerings, Deutsche Welle reaches some 337 million people worldwide each week. In countries with restricted press freedom, it serves as a vital source of information. Through its fact-based and independent journalism, Deutsche Welle provides a crucial counterbalance to disinformation and propaganda.
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