Due to a reduction in the federal subsidy for this year, the Deutsche Welle (DW) Comprehensive austerity measures were adopted. This was announced by the German foreign broadcaster. In order to save 21 million euros, the Greek-language offering will be discontinued and the portfolio in other languages will be reduced. Mathematically, 160 full-time positions would have to be cut, but no redundancies are planned.
In addition to the Greek program, the cuts also affect the budgets for the language programs Portuguese for Africa and Dari and Pashto for Afghanistan. The station is also reducing Spanish-language television news outside of prime time, DW said.
Severe loss of range expected
According to DW The federal subsidy will fall by ten million euros this year to 415 million. In addition, unbalanced tariff increases would cause additional costs of around eleven million euros. According to the chairman of the Broadcasting Council, the broadcaster’s reach is expected to be significantly reduced as a result of the government cuts. “It’s particularly bitter there Russia and China are massively expanding their state propaganda channels and the Americans’ withdrawal from foreign broadcasting is leaving further gaps,” said Karl Jüsten.
The Ver.di union expressed criticism of the government cuts and the associated program and job cuts. “In a world that is competing for skilled workers, Germany is losing international competitiveness,” said Ver.di board member Christoph Schmitz-Dethlefsen in Berlin. “In addition, voices that can support democratic forces worldwide will become significantly quieter.”
DW’s mission is to strengthen democratic values. The channel is also intended to convey a realistic picture of Germany and promote international dialogue. The program is aimed at a global audience in more than 30 languages.
