Warn stars: Cosmic end for WDR-COSMO threatens cultural diversity!

Warn stars: Cosmic end for WDR-COSMO threatens cultural diversity!

In a wide range, numerous celebrities call up to save the WDR radio station Cosmo. Among the supporters of the petition "Save Cosmo!" Famous artists such as Herbert Grönemeyer, Jan Delay, Peter Fox and many more are found. They warn of the threat of the program, which is considered a unique medium for cultural diversity. According to Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger was identified as the only ARD radio project that works in multilingual and migrant Integrated perspectives into the program design.

The initiative comes against the background of planned reforms of the Broadcasting State Treaty, which are sought by the ARD. The closure of up to 17 radio waves is under discussion, which is why the articles of ARD should decide on the future orientation on June 24th and 25th. The WDR-Rundfunkrat has already demanded that Cosmo should be more oriented towards the needs of the listeners. There is concern that the program could only survive in digital formats, which is regarded as a cultural loss and political signal against diversity.

The consequences of the reforms

The WDR-Rundfunkrat expresses concerns about the proposed reform and has dealt with the draft discussion, which is presented on the website of the broadcasting commission. The statement emphasizes that a flat-rate reduction in the public service offer could be harmful. The Council also appeals to the legislator to approve an increase in the broadcasting contribution to 18.94 euros from January 1, 2025 in order to secure the financing of the broadcast in the long term. A violation of the financing guarantee could lead to legal disputes. According to the WDR , a clear delimitation between the tasks of the media council and circular football is required.

As part of the Reform State Treaty, which includes changes in the commissioning of ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio, the German Cultural Council calls for a stronger maintenance of the independence of editorial work. He warns that a loss of cultural diversity threatens to reduce the transmission area and cultural transmissions. The importance of cultural reporting for the reflection of cultural topics was also emphasized. As in the German Kulturrat , a collaboration with cultural and educational institutions is of great importance.

criticism of the reform

The design of the reform is criticized by many as politically over -motivated. The German Cultural Council considers the planned media council to be superfluous and sees no advantage over existing committees. The reduction of radio programs by up to 16 is also considered problematic because it could endanger regional cultural reporting. The fear is great that a shift from Cosmo to a digital niche could drive the audience into the arms of less trustworthy media offers.

In a final appeal, Patrice, a Cologne singer, demands that switching off Cosmo would result in a loss of diversity in music. The petition "Save Cosmo!" is not only against the closure of the program, but also against a dangerous development towards a homogenized media landscape in which cultural diversity is no longer sufficiently represented.