The debate surrounding the departure of presenter Julia Ruhs from the NDR’s “Klar” magazine program and the subsequent selection of her replacement has drawn a conciliatory response from North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister for Media, Nathanael Liminski (CDU).
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” Liminski emphasized his long-standing advocacy for internal diversity within the editorial teams of ARD and ZDF. He stated that publicly funded programs have a particular responsibility to prioritize genuine diversity and political balance. Liminski noted the NDR’s recognition of this necessity and viewed the decision to expand the “Klartext” presenting team – incorporating established journalist Tanit Koch in the NDR version alongside Julia Ruhs’ previous role in the BR edition – as a judicious decision and a positive indicator.
“Only when diverse life experiences and perspectives are represented can public service broadcasting maintain credibility and acceptance throughout society” Liminski added. The move underscores the ongoing emphasis on broadening representation within publicly funded media organizations.