Borris and Hilbert Upset: City Leaders Protest Planned Cessation of Crime Series in Eastern Germany
Dresden/Magdeburg – The three-year enforced hiatus for the crime series “Polizeiruf 110” and the Dresden-based “Tatort” has now escalated into a political issue. Dresden’s mayor Dirk Hilbert (54, FDP) and Magdeburg’s mayor Simone Borris (63, independent) have made their stance clear in an open letter addressed to the Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (MDR).
The Implications of Cessation
The two mayors strongly oppose the planned termination of filming for “Polizeiruf 110” in Magdeburg and “Tatort” in Dresden, stating that suspending production for financial reasons would lead to significant detrimental outcomes. They elaborated on this by providing four important points:
- Loss of Regional Identity: Both series represent far more than mere entertainment. They serve as cultural vessels that depict the uniqueness of their respective cities, histories, and everyday realities.
- Cultural Visibility: The absence of these series would diminish the cultural representation of their regions, undermining the local and national identity tied to these productions.
According to the mayors, “Polizeiruf 110” and “Tatort” convey nationwide images of their cities and communities. This makes them vital components of German television, one that fosters a strong sense of belonging among residents.
Concerns Over Eastern Representation
Additionally, Borris and Hilbert highlighted a growing concern regarding the continued marginalization of Eastern German formats. They voiced that the cessation of these beloved shows presents a troubling trend in withdrawing support from traditional Eastern German content, thereby diminishing the media presence of the new federal states within public broadcasting.
By reducing the production capacities of local filmmakers, not only do these decisions impact cultural heritage, but they also pose economic threats to the production locations of both cities.
The MDR’s Tough Spot
The MDR has recently signaled that they plan to halt any new filming for the next three years, which has left Hilbert and Borris in a state of discontent. They, however, also empathized with the financial quandary facing the MDR, relating it to the absence of increased broadcasting fees. The mayors metaphorically referred to themselves as “Sherlock” Hilbert and “Watson” Borris to underscore their understanding of the fundamental issues at hand.
A Call for Action
In light of these pressing concerns, Borris and Hilbert urge the MDR to reconsider its decision regarding these cherished TV formats. They advocate for the sustained presence of Eastern German investigator teams in public broadcasting, demanding the continuation of both the Dresden “Tatort” and Magdeburg “Polizeiruf 110.”
By prioritizing the cultural significance and regional representation embodied in these crime dramas, the mayors hope to preserve not only the narrative richness of Eastern German stories but also bolster the local economies reliant on film and television production.
Thus, the fate of these popular crime series is not merely a matter of entertainment but a broader socio-political issue reflective of regional identity and economic vitality in Eastern Germany. The ongoing discussions may very well shape how local narratives are portrayed and celebrated in the future of German television.
