ARD's Summer Break: How ARD is Going Swimming

The German public broadcaster ARD is facing criticism for its decision to grant its most popular and important programs, including the crime drama "Tatort" and various political talk shows, their longest summer break in history. This move, which suspends programs like Caren Miosga's show and Louis Klamroth's "Hart aber Fair," as well as Sandra Maischberger's show, has been deemed unwise by critics.

The timing of the break is particularly contentious. It occurs while significant political and social discussions are unfolding, such as the upcoming proposal from the pension reform commission and ongoing political developments involving figures like Donald Trump. Critics question whether there is truly "nothing going on in the world" that warrants discussion, especially as businesses have urged the Bundestag to forgo its own summer recess.

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Is nothing going on in the world? Do we no longer have anything to talk about?

While employees in Germany typically enjoy an extended summer break, ARD's decision to take such a prolonged hiatus for its key programming, even amidst global events and domestic policy discussions, has raised eyebrows. The broadcaster appears to be prioritizing a break over continuous engagement with current affairs and public discourse, a move that contrasts with calls for sustained political attention.

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The public broadcaster is meanwhile disregarding the state of the world and, in many areas, taking the right to put its feet up, longer than any German employee.