US media corporations call for cancellation of visa proposals for reporters based in Germany
In a united front, German media companies ARD, Deutschlandradio, ProSiebenSat.1, RTL Germany, and ZDF have expressed their opposition to the proposed US visa reform for foreign journalists. Over 100 leading media organizations and associations worldwide joined them last week in raising their protests against the shortening of visa durations.
The Trump administration's proposal, if enacted, would limit the duration of a journalist visa to 240 days, with the option of extending it by a further 240 days. This reform also affects non-immigrant academic students and exchange visitors.
The media companies maintain a network of offices in all relevant parts of the world, with their offices in Washington and New York being among the most important. They argue that free opinion formation based on unbiased information is a cornerstone of democracies, and the proposed visa reform could hinder their ability to report accurately and timely from the US.
In a joint appeal, the media companies have asked Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul for support. They have urged the German government to express its opposition to the planned US visa reform for foreign journalists through diplomatic channels with the US administration.
The media companies have provided their contact information for their press offices, making it easier for those affected and third parties to comment on the proposal until September 29, 2025. Here are the contact details:
- ARD: [email protected], phone number: 069 - 155-5555
- Deutschlandradio: [email protected]
- ProSiebenSat.1: [email protected]
- RTL Germany: [email protected]
- ZDF: [email protected], phone number: 06131 - 70-12108
The Federal Government could support the initiative of the media companies by placing a formal protest or protest note through diplomatic channels in Washington. The media companies hope that their collective voice will be heard and that the proposed US visa reform for foreign journalists will be reconsidered.
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