The dispute over the disinvitation of musician Daniel Pongratz, known as Danger Dan, from the ZDF satire show ‘Die Anstalt’ is dividing opinions. While unions sharply criticize the cancellation, NRW Minister Nathanael Liminski (CDU) shows understanding for the broadcaster. Liminski is a member of the ZDF Television Board.
The background is a song titled ‘Keine Angst’ (No Fear), which Pongratz was to perform in the anniversary edition of the show. In it, he does not rule out violence against right-wing extremists. ZDF management then canceled the appearance at short notice, citing program guidelines that prohibit incitement to violence.
The Verdi union sharply criticized the decision. ‘A valuable opportunity was missed here to talk about stance,’ said Nina Bernhardt, chair of Verdi’s staff representation at ZDF. The German Journalists’ Association (DJV) also voiced criticism: ‘The director general’s top-down intervention in editorial matters violates internal press freedom,’ said Mika Beuster.
Liminski, however, told the F.A.Z. that the decision falls ‘within the programming autonomy of public-service broadcasting.’ The song lyrics show ‘a proximity to partially convicted extremists.’ The Television Board should address the case, the minister demanded.
Source: www.faz.net
