The German Journalists’ Association (DJV) has called for consequences to be drawn from the classification of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a right-wing extremist party by the Federal Agency for the Protection of the Constitution. “At the latest now, it should be clear that editorial boards must adjust their reporting on the party” said DJV President Mike Beuster in an interview with the “Tagesspiegel” (Sunday edition).
While the AfD must continue to be reported on, it must be made clear that it is not a normal democratic party. “Positions, attitudes and statements must not simply be presented alongside those of other parties without being placed in the context of a party whose extremist tendencies are classified as right-wing” Beuster demanded.
The DJV President does not, however, believe that a general exclusion of AfD representatives from talk shows is the right way to go. Journalists should not, however, make themselves “unwittingly into propaganda tools” for the AfD. For this, Beuster calls for new journalistic formats and well-trained journalists who, for example, could continue to educate themselves through further training. “False statements and half-truths must not be left unchallenged in the media.”
Politicians also called for consequences. “This should finally put an end to the normalization and provide an opportunity for critical reflection, also in editorial boards. Equal treatment must not be allowed” said the deputy chairman of the Green Party faction in the Bundestag, Andreas Audretsch, in an interview with the “Tagesspiegel.” He criticized the public broadcasting service’s handling of the AfD. “ARD and ZDF have often not even tried to make a distinction between right-wing extremist enemies of our constitution and democratic candidates during the election campaign” said Audretsch.