Online backing for Julia Ruhs intensifies after NDR denial on the web
The Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR) has made a controversial decision to no longer engage Julia Ruhs as the moderator of the "Klar" format. The 31-year-old journalist, known for her perceived conservative views, will only be allowed to moderate "Klar" episodes produced by the Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR).
Many journalists and personalities from various political camps consider the NDR's decision to be wrong. Sahra Wagenknech, the BSW chairwoman, finds it a scandal that journalists who deviate from the public broadcaster's opinion mainstream are removed from the program. Huber Aiwanger, head of the Free Voters in Bavaria, criticizes the perceived suppression of freedom of opinion. Union politicians are calling for the public broadcaster to be reformed, with Ottilie Klein stating that the NDR's decision demonstrates a highly problematic attitude towards freedom of opinion in our country.
The specific decision-makers at NDR responsible for ending the collaboration with Julia Ruhs have not been publicly named. Reports indicate that the NDR editorial management made the final decision amid internal pressure from employees uncomfortable with her conservative views. This has led to concerns over the suppression of a plural voice in the public broadcaster, as expressed by CSU Bundestag member Konrad Köner.
Julia Ruhs has expressed her disappointment about the NDR's decision and accused its decision-makers of lacking backbone. RTL investigative journalist Liv von Boetticher defends Ruhs, stating she is delightful and not extreme or unjournalistic. Fabio de Masi, a politician from the BSW, criticizes the NDR for this step, even though he has different opinions on many things with Ruhs. Marcel Roth, a former SPD politician, believes that one should still be able to tolerate Ruhs, and this decision damages the public broadcaster.
The controversy surrounding the "Klar" format has also attracted criticism from outside the political sphere. NDR moderator Anja Reschke described the format as "a bit neo-Nazi," though the station later apologized. Satirist Jan Boehmermann called the "Klar" format "right-wing nonsense" after an episode that critically addressed migration policy.
Critics argue that the public broadcaster is taking a step backwards in representing a broad spectrum of opinions, which is not beneficial for the institution. Michael Jahn, a Greens spokesperson, considers the NDR's step to be a failure and believes the public broadcaster is providing ammunition for its opponents.
In response to the criticism, the NDR neither denied nor confirmed the existence of an employee letter with 250 signatories distancing themselves from "Klar." The joint statement from NDR and BR indicates that beyond personnel changes, little will change in the show's direction. However, the controversy surrounding the decision remains, with many questioning the NDR's commitment to upholding freedom of speech and representing a diverse range of opinions.
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