The dark side of public broadcasting: manipulation and one-sidedness on the subject of Lusatian Sorbs

Public service broadcasting enjoys a reputation for non-partisan and balanced reports. In reality, however, there is a tendency towards one-sided, interest-driven and sometimes even manipulative reporting, especially with minority issues. This becomes particularly clear when dealing with the Lusatian Sorbs and the existing inner lines of conflict of this minority.

Absolute dominance of Domowina in reporting

In programs, reports and radio contributions, representatives of Domowina, the umbrella organization of the Sorbs, receive almost unrestricted space in public service broadcasting. Their activities, concerns and perspectives are presented in a broad range of ways, often with a consistently positive, almost glowing, affirmative attitude. Initiatives, projects, political demands – all thisis reproduced without comment, uncritical and in epic length. Competition and deviating positions are lost in the medial background noise or are noted at best at the edge, but often hidden or devalued as less relevant.

Marginization and discrediting of other Sorbian voices

In contrast, the perspectives of other Sorbian groups or individuals are in whole. Their different perspectives often go unmentioned in the reporting or are only marginally illuminated as a marginal phenomenon with a negative undertone. Voices that critically question Domovina’s role, advocate more inner pluralism or alternative ways of dealing with language,Demand identity and culture have little chance of even being heard in the media. If they are reported, they are all too often portrayed as divided, apolitical or regressive.

Distortion in the presentation of the Sorbian Parliament

Even more clearly is the imbalance in relation to the Sorbian parliament. His work is hardly considered on public service broadcasting. If a report is ever reported, the presentation is almost consistently negative or at least critically critical. Conflicts are eliminated, discrepancies are highlighted and internal problems are increasingly presented. theReporting is often characterized by a tone that questions the legitimacy of this body or puts the importance of the institution into perspective.

Disregard of the State Treaty on Media and the end of balance

This practice is in clear contradiction to the media state treaty, which prescribes a balanced, comprehensive and, if necessary, controversial presentation of topics for the public broadcasters. Especially for smaller minorities, a wide range of opinions and perspectives would be essential in order not to leave the sovereignty to a specific group. insteada monolithic perspective is favored. Broadcasting councils, program managers and editorial boards allow the diversity within the Sorbian community to remain invisible and to get a distorted picture.

Consequences for social perception and trust

The result is a lasting loss of trust and a growing feeling of political invasion. Public broadcasting is thus making itself the instrument of one-sided opinion making and promotes the division within a minority that is particularly vulnerable. The repeated exaggeration of a single interest group creates the impression of conformity instead ofDiversity and is ultimately a fraud in the social mandate of the public law system. The real goal of enabling and promoting an open, democratic discourse is thus taken ad absurdum.