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Media in the News

December 21, 2005
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Image: Bilderbox

It's the media's job to take a critical look at society. But sometimes, that involves turning the spotlight on the media itself. More and more, issues of ownership and ethics influence the way news is covered. How independent is Germany's media? How much freedom do editors have when it comes to showing controversial images? And how is the media trying to overcome the language barrier to reach a more international audience?

DW-WORLD is committed to reporting about key trends and changes in the German media landscape so that you're always up-to-date, even if you don't speak German. In this dossier, you'll find reports on the major issues facing German and European media, from political influence and foreign expansion, to the paparazzi and censorship.

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Reports & Analysis

Bundesliga Agrees on Massive Sponsorship Deal With T-Com

Deutsche Telekom came out on top in a sponsorship deal with the Bundesliga it announced Wednesday, while pay broadcaster Premiere got sent to the bench.
June 8, 2006

Germans Divided Over Prize for Pro-Serb Author Handke

The decision to award the city of Düsseldorf's prestigious Heine Prize to controversial Austrian author Peter Handke -- known for his pro-Serbian stance during the Balkan wars -- has been met with criticism in Germany.
May 29, 2006

British and American Publishers Reopen European Turf Wars

A long-standing trade battle over the right to sell English-language books in Europe has reignited between British and American publishers, with the UK feeling the threat of cheaper US editions at its front door.
June 22, 2006

Germans Warm Up to Quirky Book-Sharing Fad

Imagine tucking a book in a tree or leaving it at a bus stop for someone to find and take home to read -- that's exactly what thousands of "bookcrossers" around the world do. The trend's catching on in Germany too.
July 14, 2006

Breaking Codes But Not The Box Office

There was only one topic on people's lips when the Cannes Film Festival kicked off on the Riviera Wednesday. "The Da Vinci Code" might be one of the most talked-about films of the year, but the critics have crucified it.
May 18, 2006

Partial Success for Google in a German Courtroom

A German publisher who brought a case against Internet company Google over digitized books suddenly and surprisingly dropped their case this week.
June 29, 2006

German Publisher Axel Springer Mulls Tabloid in France

Axel Springer, Europe's biggest newspaper publisher, is considering the launch of a mass-circulation daily in France along the same lines as its best-selling "Bild," reputedly the most widely read newspaper in Germany.
March 10, 2006

A New Vodcasting Star is Born: German Chancellor Merkel

German Chancellor Merkel, already known for her speedy cell-phone text-messaging skills, is now entering the world of digital media as the first head of state to address her nation via a video podcast.
June 8, 2006

Cartoon Row Escalates; Germany Defends Press Freedom

Protests in the Muslim world continued on Thursday, as many editors and leaders in the region denounced European newspapers for reprinting cartoons depicting the prophet Mohammed. In Germany, press freedom was stressed.
February 2, 2006

Poland Condemns German Media Satire of its President

Poland's conservative government Tuesday lashed out at a German left-wing daily that satirized Polish President Lech Kaczynski, as officials demanded that political leaders in Germany condemn the newspaper.
July 5, 2006

Experts Call Germany's Media Control Too Stringent

As one of Germany's biggest media mergers seems set for failure, experts are calling for a review of the country's antitrust control boards, which have so far failed to adjust to a globalized media landscape, they say.
January 16, 2006