Russian Influence in German Talk Shows

Database, Analysis

The debate about the misguided perspective on Russia’s real politics has sparked considerable discussion in Germany, even before the large-scale attack on Ukraine. The debate in German talk shows on this topic was already a constant point of contention before 2022.

For the scientific portal Länderanalysen (Country Analyses) of the University of Bremen (Research Centre for Eastern Europe), all talk shows on public television concerning Russia and Ukraine were evaluated (over 500 individual programmes with around 1,000 different studio guests) and made accessible in a database according to the highest scientific research standards. The results attracted national and international media attention. This was due to the findings of the study: the most frequently invited guests before 2022 on this problematic topic had a clearly pro-Russian stance, which did not correspond to the assessments of recognised Eastern Europe experts from academia and politics. However, the analysis also showed the abrupt change in talk shows after February 2022. The study also systematically evaluated the party affiliations and professional backgrounds of the studio guests.

Our recommendation regarding the composition of future talk show formats: the debate benefits more when experts with genuine expertise, who have demonstrated a serious analysis of the conflict, are present at the table, rather than a policy of inviting polarising diversity of opinion, which often lacks expertise in complex international conflict issues. Even a single studio guest who tends towards populist views can undermine a sober analysis and orientation in this important political field. The study received wide attention also in connection with the exposure of Russian connections involving TV journalist Hubert Seipel (FAZ 17.11.2023, Time News 16.11.2023; Czech media portal Respect December 2023 edition).

[ANALYSIS] Russia’s Aggression Towards Ukraine in German Talk Shows 2013–2023 ↗