Overview
- Weimar said public broadcasters appear left-leaning and argued many citizens pay mandatory fees yet feel unrepresented, calling this an acceptance problem.
- The Deutscher Journalistenverband criticized his use of the term “Zwangsbeiträge,” with chair Mika Beuster warning it adopts right‑populist framing.
- A study cited from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz reports ARD and ZDF are not more one‑sided than other outlets, challenging claims of a unique bias.
- A case against the broadcasting fee is before the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig, with a ruling expected in mid‑October.
- Weimar condemned threats against journalists, referencing the Dunja Hayali case, and warned of an AfD‑driven culture war over national symbols.