Claus Kleber, 64, is the anchorman of the “heute-journal” on ZDF, and one of the most famous TV journalists in Germany. In documentary films, he is devoted to the question of how in the 21st century. A century of human dignity, freedom of press and speech is ordered.
Two-thirds of the Germans believe, according to a survey by the Institut für demoskopie Allensbach, one must today “be very careful”, to which topics you like to consume. How do you see that?
Overall, the dialogues are more aggressive and even hurt become. This is not good. But for me the tearfulness of the debate, it also disrupts on the other hand, especially those that deal, even violently. And: it is impossible To claim that the freedom of expression is restricted, just because you suffer no opposition.
What do you mean with “tearfulness”?
I believe that we should not rush to debates or sanction for formulations, if we are willing to combat the real Problem. We argue, whether you say students, or better students to do, rather than, for example, actually have something against discrimination, especially by female students in the University life. They are arguing about the words, where you are supposed to take care of the matter.
“The convenience, which has crept earlier and maybe sometimes, in our report of everyday life, is gone.”
How about the freedom of the press?
is completely unrestricted, at least I experience it that way. Clear: We have it since more than a decade in Germany to do with a Chancellor, who defended very reluctantly in a direct exchange of your policy. But this is not a limitation of the freedom of expression. Of course, there are journalists, the impose self-restrictions, but that is more of a convenience due to: the temptation to avoid Trouble, instead of Trouble involved. And it was only the “Mainstream” let’s shake up.
When many have lost confidence in the freedom of expression, how can you win it back?
freedom of expression it is necessary to use: use it or lose it. I have friends in the Turkish press, for a single sentence in a gloss stick can mean. The ride each day with a Packed emergency bag to work, because you need to expect that you will spend the night behind bars. With these people you should compare yourself, before you say, my freedom of expression is restricted. I am criticized on ZDF is always from the top, if I will not be able to request the conversation partner enough never to stubborn interview guide. You have to have joy of it, to urge to the contradiction and, thus, to dialogue, and also for the dispute on your toes.
Has the work changed for you as a Journalist?
We are more often beaten – sometimes quite justified. There is nothing more way to send out. Newspaper journalists know that they can always set on the printed word. In times of media libraries and non-linear TV must now be able to be any wording in the TV on the gold scale is placed. I rings as a Moderator, often with colleagues from the Team about individual words and about, whether this or that really prove. The convenience that has crept in earlier, maybe sometimes, in our report of everyday life, is gone. As a result, our Job is perhaps a bit more difficult. But this makes our work even better.
Created: 12.11.2019, 11:15 am
