Overview

• Hendrik Lünenborg told the NDR-Rundfunkrat that mistakes occurred in program management, the shift from pilot to regular operation, and subsequent communication, and he initiated processes to strengthen debate culture and broaden perspectives.
• The NDR-Rundfunkrat ruled the first ‘Klar’ episode did not violate the NDR or media-state treaties, voting 29 in favor with 9 abstentions and 4 against, while criticizing limited perspective diversity, excessive emotionalization, and thematic overload.
• The council noted that later pilot episodes had already incorporated corrections, including clearer counterpositions and a more restrained tone.
• The format continues under the joint NDR/BR model with BR retaining Julia Ruhs, while NDR editions will be fronted and editorially led by Tanit Koch.
• Political criticism persists, including fee-freeze threats, as the council cautioned against political influence; the body logged 205 submissions on ‘Klar’ and heard reports of hostility toward members alongside accounts of internal staff protests.