MDR Initiates "Leipzig Appeal for Media Freedom and Independence"

MDR Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (MDR) has initiated the "Leipzig Appeal for Media Freedom and Independence," an effort to strengthen the importance of free and independent media and access to information as cornerstones of a democratic society.

The appeal, co-signed by MDR and numerous institutions from media, academia, culture, and civil society, highlights that free information dissemination is fundamental to a free, democratic society. It calls for the resolute protection of media and information freedom against contemporary challenges and for the identification and rejection of attacks against these principles.

MDR's Director General Ralf Ludwig stated in a press release that free and independent media, along with information freedom, are fundamental pillars of democracy. He referenced historical lessons on media instrumentalization and how current global digital platforms can distort visibility and manipulate public opinion. Ludwig described the "Leipzig Appeal" as a call for vigilance and shared responsibility.

The appeal is supported by a wide array of institutions, including all ARD broadcasting corporations, the German National Library, Deutsche Welle, Deutschlandradio, the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF), the German Journalists' Association on federal and state levels, along with various other media outlets and academic institutions.

MDR launched this initiative in conjunction with the Foundation for Places of German Democratic History, which recognized MDR as such a site. The appeal serves as a reminder of historical lessons from Nazism and the GDR dictatorship, as well as current risks to an open and pluralistic public sphere in the era of digitally controlled information and discourse.