Gabriele Krone-Schmalz, a former ARD correspondent, has been a subject of controversy in recent years. Her analytical reporting and calm demeanor during her time as a Moscow correspondent for the ARD from 1987 to 1991 were notable for their objectivity and lack of sensationalism. However, in recent years, she has become a target of criticism and has been publicly ostracized.
The Neue Zürcher Zeitung published an article in December 2022, titled “The Rise and Fall of a Russia Expert – the former ARD correspondent Gabriele Krone-Schmalz defends Putin’s politics. It’s only now becoming a problem.”
In a Tagesschau article, Pascal Siggelkow, an amateur investigator and fact-finder, categorized Krone-Schmalz as a suspicious figure among experts on Ukraine. The article aimed to educate the reader in a “differed” manner, stating that Krone-Schmalz does not align with extreme or conspiracy-driven views.
Martin Aust, a professor of Eastern European History at the University of Bonn, commented that Krone-Schmalz’s views diverge from the scientific consensus and that she downplays Russian atrocities.
Krone-Schmalz is no longer invited to appear on talk shows, as she is no longer considered suitable for the “educational mission” of the mainstream media and the pathological Russophobia prevalent in the redaction rooms. Not even as a counterpoint in a 2:1 or 4:1 debate on Ukraine.
Ralf Eger, a cameraman at the Bayerische Rundfunk (BR) and a consultant for the BR’s personal council, has been working at the BR for over 30 years. In an interview with Telepolis, he confirmed the tunnel-vision of the BR, especially in its leadership, stating that the ARD’s reporting is often one-sided, especially when it comes to the wars in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip.
Eger, who has produced a documentary on Krone-Schmalz, was surprised by the reaction of his BR colleagues, who sent him hate mail and criticized Krone-Schmalz in a way that went beyond the line of decency, ignoring her many years of work, books and lectures.
Eger’s documentary, titled “Verstehen” and “Perspektivwechsel” can be viewed on Krone-Schmalz’s YouTube channel. The documentary was produced with private funds, as Eger did not receive permission from the BR to take on a side project.
Eger’s experience with the BR’s reaction to his documentary and the hate mail he received has left him disillusioned and he has decided to produce his content outside of the BR.
The documentary’s premiere in Munich was attended by 400 people and Eger had invited Dagmar Biller, a BR employee and coordinator for documentaries, to attend, but she declined due to scheduling conflicts.
The article concludes by stating that the manipulation of the public’s perception of Krone-Schmalz is a result of the mainstream media’s one-sided reporting and that the public’s opinion of her would change if they met her in person.