Censored local journalist interviewing AfD member, subsequently reported to the authorities by the newspaper
In recent times, several German regional newspapers have come under scrutiny for their handling of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party during elections. The Lippische Landes-Zeitung (LZ) and Aachener Zeitung are at the centre of this debate, accused by the AfD of censorship and bias in their coverage.
The LZ, based in Nordrhein-Westfalen, has retracted parts of an interview with AfD mayoral candidate Jirka Möller. The newspaper edited out passages deemed "unconstitutional" or showing "far-right extremist tendencies," inserted fact-check annotations challenging his claims, and reported his remarks to authorities for potential criminal scrutiny. This editorial approach has sparked accusations from the AfD of media bias and censorship.
Similarly, the Aachener Zeitung excluded the AfD from all 16 of its election forums ahead of municipal elections and openly took a hostile editorial stance against the party. An editor stated their coverage includes clear, consistent commentary against the AfD, leaving the party to accuse the paper of biased filtering that restricts neutral, public debate and fair political coverage.
The LZ's guidelines for handling AfD candidates state they will label false statements in interviews with AfD representatives and report suspected criminal statements to the authorities. The Aachener Zeitung's reporter stated they objectively report on everything but comment against the AfD consistently.
These practices have provoked controversy, with critics arguing the newspapers are actively suppressing AfD voices, while the newspapers justify their approach by labeling some AfD statements as extremist or false and emphasizing editorial responsibility to highlight and fact-check such content.
It's important to note that Jirka Möller, a 53-year-old family man and trained chef, has lived in Extertal for six years. Invitations to the forums in Aachen apparently depend on how positively the editorial team writes about a party. The AfD district association in Aachen accused the Aachener Zeitung of controlling political reporting "through a filter."
The LZ refuted Möller's claim that the federal government is controlled by a "New World Order," labeling it a "right-wing conspiracy theory without evidence." The LZ also challenged Möller's claim about an "Islamist invasion" ordered by Iran.
In summary, the Lippische Landes-Zeitung and Aachener Zeitung have taken a firm stance against the AfD, with some critics claiming this approach suppresses the party's voice, while the newspapers argue they are fulfilling their editorial responsibility to fact-check and highlight extremist or false statements.
| Newspaper | Handling of AfD Coverage | Controversies | |-----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | Lippische Landes-Zeitung | Edited out parts of an AfD candidate's interview, added fact-checks, reported remarks to authorities | Accused of censorship and bias by AfD; accused interviewee of extremism by paper | | Aachener Zeitung | Excluded AfD from all election forums; openly critical editorial stance | Accused by AfD of biased filtering and limiting neutral debate |
This reflects a broader trend among some German regional newspapers of openly opposing AfD through editorial decisions that significantly limit the party's media presence and frame their narrative critically.
References: [1] "Aachener Zeitung Exkludiert AfD aus allen Wahlveranstaltungen." Tagesspiegel, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/aachener-zeitung-exkludiert-afd-aus-allen-wahlveranstaltungen/26663230.html
[2] "Lippische Landes-Zeitung zieht Teile eines Interviews mit AfD-Kandidat Jirka Möller zurück." Die Welt, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article266541117/Lippische-Landes-Zeitung-zieht-Teile-eines-Interviews-mit-AfD-Kandidat-Jirka-Moeller-zurueck.html
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