Noteworthy slap - ARD documentary breaches the Interstate Broadcasting Agreement
The film in question faced major backlash from some of its own characters, accusing it of portraying a false depiction of the country's situation.
The Broadcasting Council deliberated over the movie for approximately two hours and ultimately reached a decision by a tight margin of 22 votes to 20 with one abstention: The movie contravenes the stipulations of the State Treaty, for instance, "NDR... must tell the truth".
Broadcasting Council member Sandra Goldschmidt (48) commented on the occurrences, stating, "There are places where truth and clarity are at stake, where there are blatant untruths".
NDR's handling of the criticism was also remarked upon
The manner in which NDR handled the feedback also drew scrutiny. Despite removing the film under significant pressure, the broadcaster did not acknowledge any significant mistakes, but offered alternative explanations (e.g., "a heated discussion").
Opinions from the Broadcasting Council
- Ottmar von Holtz (62, Greens) prior to the vote: "The sum of the infractions in the film has created a completely false image of Namibia." The film was "altogether unsuccessful" and bore "no connection with the truth".
- Eva Hubert (73, Greens) identified "factual and content-related violations", remarking that it could be "the first time in 20 years" the Broadcasting Council had made such a judgement.
- Jens-Peter Kruse deemed it a "significant moment for the Broadcasting Council".
"They have twisted our history"
Critics decried "disinformation," "manipulation," and "intent," while protagonists railed against a "biased narrative," one being portrayed as an "angry black woman."
Notably, a central memorial to the genocide of Herero and Nama in the heart of Windhoek, which influencer Aminata Belli (32), portrayed in the documentary as a journalist, allegedly denies in the film although it can be seen several times.
Members of the Broadcasting Council underscored, "We want to work to make certain these errors are not repeated." Member Felix Bernard (69) stated, "Without the commitment of the complainants, we would not have detected the numerous mistakes in the film initially."
NDR director Joachim Knuth (65) expressed, "Assume that: We have learned a great deal from this process." The film will never be aired again.
Read also:
- Officer halts intoxicated motorist aged 61.
- Geraerts' decision set for release next week
- Leipzig battles for top attacker Sesko.
- Prussia aims to achieve sixth place.
Source: symclub.org
