Press handling of “Alternative for Germany”: The less, the better

“Many journalists ask themselves whether they should treat the “Alternative for Germany” (AfD) like any other party? The question should rather be: is it enough for journalists to prepare for discussions with the AfD like they do with others? (…) It is important for journalists to know how populism works. Many people mistakenly think that it's about politicians telling simple truths and provoking people in the process. But populism is not a rhetorical device, but an ideology. (…) the AfD would like to abolish the unpleasant “system press”. She questions the legitimacy of our work - especially that of the public media. At the same time, it needs the established media to bring its issues into the debates. (…) Editors could ask themselves these questions before reporting: How do you deal critically with your misleading self-categorization and classify it correctly? (…) Do you have to offer her a platform for every provocation?…” Article by Ferda Ataman from December 1, 2019 from the dju newspaper mmm and more on the important debate:

See also our dossier: More and more (especially right-wing and police) attacks on journalists