Weimer warns: US media monopolies threaten Germany's freedom of expression!

Weimer warns: US media monopolies threaten Germany's freedom of expression!

Minister of Culture Wolfram Weimer has recently warned of alarming changes in the media landscape, which are left by the increasing presence of US streaming providers. This threat not only puts the diversity of opinions in Germany in danger, but also puts pressure on the domestic media system. In a conversation with the press, Weimer emphasized the existential concerns that plague many actors in the industry. The influence of American media groups is also becoming increasingly noticeable, which led to a call to the federal government to take measures to counteract this development. As the FAZ reported, an invitation has already been given to representatives of streaming providers to the Chancellery discuss and address the impending monopolies.

But Weimer not only remains with warnings: he demands a digital tax for online platforms that are discussing. Even if resistance to this proposal is noticeable in the Federal Government, the Minister of Culture sees the coalition agreement as a step in the right direction, since it provides for an examination of a platform tax. The submission to large internet companies aims at benefit from the German infrastructure.

Future of film production in danger

The precarious situation of the German film industry becomes particularly clear. "We have to produce more films that appeal to a wider audience," said Weimer, who at the same time announced an increase in federal film funding to over 100 million euros this year. The incentive promotion was raised to 30 percent of the production volume, but many large producers avoid Germany due to a lack of investments. Deutschlandfunk emphasizes that Weimer has also made considerations of hiring companies such as Amazon, Netflix and Disney in German film productions, provided that they do business here and do business and of state funding benefit.

The challenges that the cultural sector faces are immensely. In particular, the infrastructure of the film industry threatens to fall for expire, which leads to the need for an urgent conversion of funding policy. In addition, Weimer is optimistic and states that the draft law, which is intended to advance these regulations, will be brought into the Bundestag in the coming weeks.

social discourse and cultural freedom

But the debates about the media and cultural policy are not isolated. The current discussions about judge elections and the changed majority relationships in parliament are a reflection of the social situation. As the Main-Spitze , the influence of extremists in the Bundestag is increasingly perceived as threatening, which endangers the center of the middle in society. This endangered space is also crucial for the freedom of cultural business, which is under pressure in many places.