Böhmermann has lashed out against former Bild boss Reichelt and his new internet platform “Nius”. He deliberately chose his statements too be incomplete.
Satirist Jan Böhmermann took on the internet portal “Nius” on Friday evening. What he accuses the medium around editor-in-chief Julian Reichelt was already clear in the title of the “ZDF Magazin Royale” episode: “Nius: Where rights get a stage,” it was. However, Böhmermann expressed his criticism on Friday evening not only through what he said. Even what he didn’t say had meaning. The satirist didn’t even mention the name of “Nius” editor-in-chief Reichelt in his thirty-minute broadcast.
instead, he spoke exclusively of the “former Bild editor-in-chief”, “Nius editor-in-chief” or the “chief clairvoyant”. In video clips or photos that showed Reichelt, he was the only one to be seen with a black bar in front of his eyes. What exactly Böhmermann wanted to express is a matter of interpretation. though,the words he found about Reichelt and “Nius” were clear.
“This is this highly serious, journalistic online charity, run by the former editor-in-chief of ‘Bild’,” he introduced the portal and immediately followed up. Referring to a headline in the “FAZ” about Reichelt’s departure from “Bild”, which read “sex, lies and an octagonal expulsion”, Böhmermann commented: “You have to build so much shit that you get kicked out of ‘Bild’. ” He pointed out that Reichelt denied the allegations made against him and was therefore continuing without “Bild” – with “Nius”.
Böhmermann also brought up Reichelt’s former employer elsewhere: “As soon as he was kicked out of ‘Bild’,the ‘Nius’ editor-in-chief apparently forgot the big,very critically important motto of ‘Bild’ founder Axel Springer,” the satirist said . The talk was about the springer principle: “We support the Jewish people and Israel’s right to exist.”
Böhmermann’s criticism referred to a “Nius” video in which Reichelt welcomed the right-wing activist Eva Vlaardingerbroek as a “colleague,friend,lawyer and legal philosopher” and in which she warned against “globalists” with a “worse agenda”. A classification of the term “globalists” came from anti
Although Reichelt stated that he himself would not use the term “globalist” in Germany because of its ambiguity, said Böhmermann, he nevertheless accused him of wanting to push the “limit of what can be said.” When it comes to fighting the “left wing superiority”, even “experienced fighters against anti-Semitism” have to listen for a moment, says Böhmermann.
Reichelt took a position on the use of the term “globalists” in a comment entitled “Böhmermann wants to destroy US. Don’t let that happen!”. He wrote this in response to the Böhmermann editorial team sending questions. In addition, the “Nius” editor-in-chief published a video commentary on Thursday with the headline: “Böhmermann wants to destroy NIUS – Himmler’s willing executor!” We’re talking about ZDF director Norbert Himmler.
“Like Adolf Eichmann, only more willing,” replied Böhmermann to the choice of title. Incidentally,Reichelt did not respond to the questions sent to his editorial team,the satirist explained. He described the 26-minute-long video by the “Nius” editor-in-chief as “slightly sweaty and a bit chatty.” He also criticized the fact that accusations of plagiarism against “nius” played no role.
The internet portal has “written off massively” and in several cases had to take articles offline that contained copied passages, said Böhmermann. An archiving service made it possible to understand which texts were involved. The satirist gave three examples. Two texts from t-online from January and february 2024 and one from “Yahoo”.“Accusing other media outlets of plagiarism and copying them so badly,” criticized Böhmermann and asked: “Is this how conservative journalism goes against the supremacy of the left?”
Not the only internet search by the “ZDF Magazin Royale” editorial team with explosive results.
A look at the source codes of “Nius” pages also suggested that the “well-known right-wing extremist political activist” Magdalena Menegus could be hidden behind the author name ”Redaktion” in 73 cases, explained Böhmermann.
What are the implications of Böhmermann’s critique for the future of digital journalism?
Time.news Interview: Jan Böhmermann’s Critique of Reichelt and “Nius”
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a engaging topic to discuss that touches on media ethics and satire. Joining us is Dr. Lisa Meyer, a media analyst and expert on digital journalism. Thank you for being here, Lisa!
Dr. Meyer: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here and discuss such an intriguing subject.
Editor: Recently, satirist Jan Böhmermann took aim at former Bild editor-in-chief Julian Reichelt and his new internet platform, ”Nius.” He dedicated an entire segment to this in his “ZDF Magazin Royale.” What’s your take on Böhmermann’s approach?
Dr. Meyer: Böhmermann is known for his sharp satire, and in this case, he skillfully used omission as a form of critique.By deliberately not mentioning Reichelt’s name and using euphemisms like “former Bild editor-in-chief” and “chief clairvoyant,” he builds a layer of meaning that invites viewers to think critically about the situation. It’s powerful commentary wrapped in humor.
Editor: That’s an fascinating angle! He even portrayed Reichelt wiht a black bar over his eyes in visuals. What do you think he intended to communicate with that visual choice?
Dr. Meyer: The black bar is a classic symbol often used to conceal identity, typically associated with scandal or unethical behavior.Böhmermann seems to be implying that Reichelt’s past actions and controversies are so severe that they warrant a kind of anonymity. It raises questions about accountability in the media, notably for someone who was responsible for the editorial direction of a prominent tabloid.
Editor: Absolutely. Böhmermann also referred to Reichelt’s new platform as a “highly serious, journalistic online charity.” How did you interpret that choice of words?
Dr. Meyer: That phrasing is quite loaded. it implies skepticism about “Nius” and its intentions. By adding “charity,” Böhmermann might potentially be mocking the idea that a portal run by someone like Reichelt—a figure who faced serious allegations—is a trustworthy or noble endeavor. He’s underscoring the contradictions and challenges of credibility inherent in media today.
Editor: What impact do you think segments like Böhmermann’s have on public perception of media figures and platforms, particularly those that may have received backlash?
Dr. Meyer: Satire, especially when executed with the finesse that Böhmermann demonstrates, can shape public opinion considerably. It distills complex issues into relatable narratives that resonate with audiences. This can enhance skepticism towards figures like Reichelt and platforms like “Nius,” leading to greater scrutiny from the public. It also reminds viewers to critically evaluate the sources of news they consume.
Editor: It’s clear Böhmermann is not just trying to entertain but also provoke thought. As we wrap up, what do you think this segment tells us about the state of journalism in the digital age?
Dr.Meyer: It highlights a critical tension in today’s media landscape. Credibility is constantly in flux, and satire plays an essential role in holding media figures accountable.The ability to critically assess information is more important than ever, especially with the rise of platforms that may not adhere to customary journalistic standards. Böhmermann’s work challenges both media creators and consumers to engage more thoughtfully with the content they produce and consume.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Meyer! Your insights into the interplay of satire and journalism are invaluable. We appreciate you sharing your expertise with us today!
Dr. Meyer: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure discussing these pressing issues.