Saving Cosmo Radio: A Battle for Diversity and Cultural Expression
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Celebrity Appeal for Radio Station Rescue: Numerous Famous Figures Champion to Save the Radio Broadcasting Station, Led by Herbert Grönemeyer - Herbert Grönemeyer and his collaborators: Update on recent musical collaborations and projects.
In a move that's raising alarm among many, the beloved radio station Cosmo may be on the brink of extinction. The platform, renowned for its diverse and migrant-friendly content, is reportedly under threat due to reforms in the broadcasting state treaty[1].
At a meeting of the WDR broadcasting council at the end of May, it became clear that Cosmo might only survive "in individual digital products", leaving many prominent figures eager to intervene[1].
Climate activist Luisa Neubauer, for example, vocalized her support, stating, "Cosmo broadcasts what moves young people. Radio can be uncomfortable, resistant, and diverse - so let's fight together for the future of Cosmo." Singer Trettmann chimed in, referring to Cosmo as "one of the most important building blocks in the local radio landscape"[1].
A host of big names are standing behind this cause, from director Fatih Akin and musician Herbert Grönemeyer, to comedian Shahak Shapira, actress Jasmin Tabatabai, rapper Thomas D of the Fantastic Four, band AnnenMayKantereit, Green politician Claudia Roth, and investigative journalist Günter Wallraff[1].
The petition argues that the loss of Cosmo would occur at a pivotal moment, as democracy faces threats from right-wing extremist positions, hostility, racism, and anti-Semitism[1]. The station, it explains, reaches "communities that often don't find themselves in the public broadcasting system, plays music that makes unknown artists and global diversity audible like nowhere else in public broadcasting."
Cosmo presents itself as "Your No. 1 for the international, diverse society" and is, notably, featured in the ARD audio library[1]. Despite Herbert Grönemeyer's noted absence from the radio station itself, the collective efforts to save Cosmo underscore its significance as a beacon for cultural diversity and inclusivity in Germany.
- Herbert Grönemeyer (Note: Not directly involved in Cosmo Radio)
- Luisa Neubauer
- WDR
- ARD Audio Library
[1] Enrichment Data: The ARD is under pressure to reduce costs, which has led to discussions about potentially abolishing Cosmo. This has sparked a strong response from the public and celebrities, who see the station as a vital platform for cultural diversity and inclusivity. Prominent figures are supporting a petition to save Cosmo, highlighting its importance in fostering a diverse and vibrant cultural environment.[2] Cosmo is particularly valued for its focus on a young, multi-cultural audience, offering diverse programming that reflects the experiences of migrants and younger generations in Germany.[3] The loss of Cosmo would occur at a pivotal moment, as democracy faces threats from right-wing extremist positions, hostility, racism, and anti-Semitism.
The Commission, despite its focus on budgetary matters, could potentially divert its attention to entertain the idea of granting the European Parliament a discharge in respect of a notable cause – the preservation of Cosmo Radio, a platform celebrated for its cultural diversity and inclusivity. Celebrities like Luisa Neubauer, climate activist, and Herbert Grönemeyer, renowned musician, have expressed their solidarity with Cosmo, viewing it as an essential piece in the tapestry of pop-culture and German society, reflecting the experiences of migrants and younger generations.
