ARD program director Strobl finds debate over Mischke affair problematic

The ARD announced early Saturday afternoon that it was making an about-face and would not use journalist Thilo Mischke as presenter of the ARD cultural magazine “ttt – titel, Thesen, temperamente” . There will also be no “ttt” podcast planned with him and podcaster Jule Lobo.

Christine Strobl, who said she was not involved in the decision-making process, said: “The decision of those responsible for culture is based on the observation that a debate is no longer possible. And I find that to be a problematic situation, and it bothers me a lot. » It is important for her “that we now return to a normal culture of debate”.

To justify its departure from Mischke, ARD stated that “the violent discussions about Thilo Mischke’s personality that have arisen in recent days have overshadowed the central and relevant topics for us that we convey with the show and the ‘ttt’ brand and that we want, with the Community. discuss it in such a way that it is no longer possible.

Recently, criticism of the journalist has increased due to his former authorship and cultural workers have refused to cooperate. Criticism is directed at his 2010 book “Around the World in 80 Women” and statements in a 2019 podcast in which he propagated nonsense about evolutionary biology. Critics accuse him of sexism and misogyny.

The ARD had pointed out that Mischke had distanced himself from his book and had prevented its re-publishing. He responded intensely to the criticism. The “ttt” magazine is “against all forms of sexism and racism and, like Thilo Mischke, defends diversity of opinions and tolerance”. Since its publication, it has dealt “in an intense and self-critical manner with allegations which convey a sexist image of the man”. women and in places that used racist language. He “has been the subject of public criticism on several occasions and has apologized for his language. Among other things, in a podcast he published in March 2021. » Mischke “distances himself today from the title and content of the book” and “affirmed that it will not be republished”. We respect that,” the ARD said. We are looking forward to him as the new presenter of “ttt”.

“I am concerned about the strength and dynamics of the debate,” said Christine Strobl, director of the ARD program, in an interview with the German press agency. “We then need to talk about it, both internally and with those in the media and culture sector.”

She added: “When I hear in recent days that several people recognized and involved in the industry say that they no longer dare to say anything about this debate in public because they are afraid of exposing themselves to a storm of personal shit – so it shows I think we have reached a form of debate culture that I find problematic and view with concern. » It is the task of public broadcasting and in particular of “ttt” to offer a space for discussion and cultural diversity.