ZDF Changes Interview Format for Children's News Program After AfD Controversy

The public broadcaster ZDF has changed its editorial concept for politician interviews on the children's news program logo! following criticism over a segment featuring AfD politician Ulrich Siegmund. The broadcaster admitted that the previous editorial concept was not appropriate. In a previous interview, a former state student spokesperson questioned Siegmund, who discussed topics such as separate classes for refugees and changes to the school curriculum. Critics argued that the sender allowed the politician to spread claims unchecked and failed to provide adequate moderation for a representative of a right wing extremist party.

In response to the backlash, which included a petition signed by several hundred thousand people and numerous official complaints, ZDF has altered its approach for the election campaign in Mecklenburg Vorpommern. An interview with AfD lead candidate Enrico Schult was conducted by a logo! editor rather than a student. Furthermore, ZDF announced that interviews with Schult and Minister President Manuela Schwesig will not be published in full online. Instead, the statements will be placed within a redactorially framed report to provide context.

Outlets with a center left lean focused on the broadcaster's reaction to public pressure and the specific demands for fact checking. In contrast, a center right lean outlet framed the initial interview as unfiltered propaganda and criticized the broadcaster for only changing its approach after a social media storm.