Overview

• Helge Fuhst, vice-chief editor of Tagesschau and Tagesthemen, publicly acknowledged that ARD’s COVID-19 coverage stayed in crisis mode longer than necessary
• He conceded that perspectives from East Germany and rural areas were underrepresented during the pandemic and said those gaps have since been addressed
• Fuhst rejected suggestions that ARD had spoken against public sentiment, noting that the cautious reporting matched the majority view at the time
• He said in hindsight the broadcaster should have resumed normal, everyday news coverage sooner to reflect life beyond the crisis
• ARD is rolling out new transparency measures and adjusted editorial practices aimed at restoring audience trust and broadening regional input