The Local Germany

Hitler or Höcke? Regional AfD boss cuts short German TV interview

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 12:07:49 +0200

The far-right AfD politician Björn Höcke broke off an interview with the German broadcaster ZDF after his words were compared to those of Hitler.

German compulsory broadcast fee is legal, ECJ rules

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 13:09:43 +0100

The contribution is not an illegal form state aid and does not violate EU law, the European Court of Justice ruled on Thursday, responding to a further complaint on the issue brought to them by the Tübingen Regional Court.

Prosecutors to interview comic over Erdogan poem

Tue, 26 Apr 2016 13:35:54 +0200

State prosecutors plan to interview TV satirist Jan Böhmermann before deciding whether to go ahead with a case against him under a little-used law against insulting foreign heads of state.

Legal opinion finds Erodgan 'smear poem' not criminal

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 19:27:05 +0200

There was good news for satirist Jan Böhmermann on Thursday, as broadcaster ZDF published a legal opinion claiming a "smear poem" he directed at Turkey's President was within the bounds of the law.

Journalists want ‘slanderous’ poem republished

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 15:21:19 +0200

Colleagues of satirist Jan Böhmermann at public broadcaster ZDF are campaigning to have his 'slanderous' poem about Turkey’s leader reinstated online - even as legal action looms against the comedian.

Calls grow to scrap law on insulting foreign leaders

Wed, 13 Apr 2016 10:41:59 +0200

The centre-left Social Democratic Party said on Tuesday that Germany should scrap a law against insulting foreign leaders – which has been used by the Turkish President to target a German comedian.

First person ever jailed over public broadcaster fee

Mon, 04 Apr 2016 15:59:52 +0200

Sieglinde Baumert began a six-month prison sentence in February after refusing to co-operate with the authorities trying to force her to pay the public broadcaster fee.

Comedian goes viral with 'Be Deutsch, Be Nice' video

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 13:29:10 +0200

TV Comedian Jan Böhmermann is once again going viral - this time with a music video spoofing rockers Rammstein but calling for the world to embrace the modern German values of multiculturalism and niceness rather than nationalism.

ZDF pulls plug on TV show Wetten, dass...?

Mon, 07 Apr 2014 10:25:00 +0200

It has seen wacky bets performed before millions and hosted an A-List of Hollywood stars, but after a three-decade run Germany's once top-rated TV variety show is getting the axe.

Court: Politicians have too much power over TV

Tue, 25 Mar 2014 11:46:00 +0100

Germany’s top court ruled on Tuesday morning that politicians have too much influence over the country's state broadcaster.

Where your TV licence fee goes

Fri, 25 Oct 2013 13:09:00 +0200

Since January, German households have had to pay a monthly broadcasting license fee of €17.98, regardless of whether they own a television or radio. Now public broadcasters ARD and ZDF have revealed where that money goes.

'Sexist' own goal in women's footie advert

Thu, 11 Jul 2013 13:32:00 +0200

As Germany's women footballers kick off their campaign to retain their European championship title in Sweden this week, national broadcaster ZDF has sparked criticism with its advert - featuring a headless woman and a washing machine.

TV series accused of re-writing history

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:09:00 +0100

A television miniseries brought World War II horrors back to German living rooms this month and provoked a furious reaction from Poland, which accused it of playing down Nazi guilt.

Fans frustrated as top CL match airs on Sky

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:38:00 +0100

German state broadcaster ZDF left football fans disappointed after failing to secure the rights to air the Champions League match between Dortmund and Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night, because it was on the wrong day.

TV host gropes woman in on-air 'prank'

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 17:05:00 +0200

German state TV broadcaster ZDF came under fire on Monday for airing a "joke" sequence in which a host poked an unwitting woman’s breast and patted her backside as part of a dare.

Gottschalk leaves Wetten dass..? after accident

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 10:52:00 +0100

Thomas Gottschalk, host of Germany’s most successful television show Wetten, dass..? will step down at the end of the season after a contestant was paralysed during a stunt performed on the show.

ZDF promises better safety after show mishap

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 11:40:00 +0100

ZDF said Monday German entertainment institution Wetten, dass? will continue despite a serious accident involving a contestant last weekend. But the public broadcaster has promised to improve the TV show's safety standards.

Wetten, dass? stopped after on-air accident

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 11:14:00 +0100

One of Germany’s biggest television shows, Wetten, dass? was ended early on Saturday night, before global stars including Take That and Justin Bieber could perform, after a candidate seriously injured himself in a stunt.

ZDF game show scandal gives new meaning to 'captive audience'

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 13:57:00 +0200

A TV studio audience thought they were in for a good time at the filming of a new German game show this week, but instead they were forced to spend over seven hours with no bathroom breaks or water while producers held them captive.

TV news anchor Seibert to become Merkel's spokesman

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:05:00 +0200

Steffen Seibert, the popular television news anchor for ZDF set to become the new face of the centre-right coalition as Chancellor Angela Merkel’s chief spokesman, faces a baptism of fire, former colleagues and media experts have warned.