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Veteran Journalist Slams RBB's Loss of Touch with East German Viewers

Henneberg's experiences reveal a broadcaster out of touch. His concerns echo broader debates about media representation and bias.

In this image there is a man, he is wearing suit and talking to journalists who are holding mics in...
In this image there is a man, he is wearing suit and talking to journalists who are holding mics in the background there are few persons and it is blur.

Veteran Journalist Slams RBB's Loss of Touch with East German Viewers

Veteran journalist Hellmuth Henneberg has slammed changes at RBB broadcaster, claiming it has lost touch with East German viewers. Henneberg, who wrote about his experiences in 'All My Lives. Documents of an Ossi', believes the shift in leadership has led to a lack of understanding of the East German audience.

Henneberg's concerns stem from his own experiences. After advocating for East German viewers' interests, he was sent to the provinces. Others who shared his views were also pushed aside. The journalist, who once moderated the first talk show on East German TV, has witnessed a significant shift in the broadcaster's approach since 1989. Traditional broadcast journalism has given way to digital media platforms and interactive formats.

The criticism extends beyond RBB. Specific media outlets like 'Tagesspiegel', 'Taz', and RBB were named in the criticism. At a Berlin BSW party, attendees accused these outlets of wanting to make the population warlike and not giving the BSW enough attention. A BSW member even called for collective lawsuits against the broadcasting fee.

Henneberg's autobiography provides a unique perspective on the changes in East German media post-reunification. His concerns about the loss of understanding of the East German audience, as well as the broader criticism of media outlets, highlight ongoing debates about media representation and bias.

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