'Dames en heren'-greeting banned at German news program

germany - A decades-long tradition at the German news program 'Tagesschau' came to an end last November, sparking dissatisfaction among viewers.

A decades-long tradition at the German news program 'Tagesschau' came to an end last November, sparking dissatisfaction among viewers.

'Tagesschau' is the news program of the German ARD broadcasters, providing news updates fourteen times a day on the channel Das Erste. The first broadcast dates back to 1952, and for decades, viewers were greeted with the phrase 'Good day, ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you to Tagesschau.'

Since November 21, 2024, the greeting was changed to 'Good day, I welcome you to Tagesschau.' The change was made based on qualitative audience research and aligns with the desire for a more authentic and accessible approach, according to a spokesperson for producer NDR.

However, many viewers are unhappy with the change. 'Numerous viewers have contacted us because they want the old greeting back,' writes Bild. 'Our audience does not believe in that audience research.'

The newspaper then quotes some readers. 'Bring back 'ladies and gentlemen.' That's what I want, that's what the majority wants. As it always was, it was good,' says one of them. 'I wonder what all this is about. We have lost sight of the important things because of all the gender talk and politically correct language,' says another person. 'Any other viewer survey is against this madness. I don't think the viewer's will played a role here.'

The number of people actually surveyed on the issue is not clear. The 'Tagesschau' editorial team claims to be in constant contact with its audience and regularly conducts 'representative' surveys.

Spokesperson Jens Riewa, a presenter of the program since 1991, is not yet accustomed to the change, as evident on Saturday morning when he stumbled over his words during the greeting. 'Good morning, um...' it sounded before a brief pause. Riewa then corrected himself: 'I welcome you to Tagesschau.'