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German media regulator targets Ben Berndt over Björn Höcke podcast appearance

other · 2026-06-27

German state media regulator is taking action against Ben Berndt, host of the podcast "Ungeskriptet", after far-right AfD politician Björn Höcke appeared on the show. Höcke, who leads the AfD in Thuringia, used the popular podcast as a platform to spread his political theses with almost no opposition, reaching a mass audience. The case highlights challenges for journalism in dealing with extremist figures.

Key facts

  • Björn Höcke appeared on the podcast "Ungeskriptet"
  • Höcke is the Thuringian AfD state chairman
  • The podcast host is Ben Berndt
  • German state media regulator is taking action against Berndt
  • Höcke reached a mass audience through the podcast
  • Höcke's theses were presented with almost no opposition
  • The case challenges journalistic standards
  • Höcke described himself as 'a completely normal person'

Entities

Institutions

  • AfD
  • Ungeskriptet
  • Landeszentrale für Medien

Locations

  • Thuringia
  • Germany

Sources