Criticism of the new “ttt” presenter Thilo Mischke: Open letter addressed to ARD

A few days before Christmas it was announced that Thilo Mischke (43) would be Max Moor’s (66) successor on the ARD cultural program “ttt – titel, thesen, temperamente” from February 2025. The announcement was followed by heavy criticism. The reporter and author Mischke is accused, among other things, of a lack of distancing himself from his works “Around the World in 80 Women” from 2010 and “The Woman for Life Doesn’t Need Big Breasts” from 2013.

Among other things, the podcast “Feminist Shelf Control” with the title “the TTThilo Mischke case” dealt with quotes from the books and criticized sexist statements. In an open letter to the ARD program directorate, 100 cultural workers have now joined the criticism.

In the letter, the signatories, including writers, journalists and musicians, say they are “dismayed by this personnel decision by ARD, which will permanently damage the cultural program ‘ttt – titel thesen temperamente’.” The ARD has committed itself to actively combating sexism, which must also apply to personnel policy. “We want presenters for cultural television who are enthusiastic and interested in culture, who are sensitive and empathetic and able to respond to contemporary discourses and do justice to the complexity of current cultural debates.” They therefore rule out working with Thilo Mischke as “ttt” presenter.

The letter also states that they share “the criticism that was raised last week about the replacement of Thilo Mischke as co-moderator of the cultural program ‘ttt – titel thesen temperamente’.” After clear criticism, backed up by sources, the ARD decided to stick with Mischke as moderator and host of the “ttt” podcast. Contrary to ARD’s claims, Thilo Mischke has not yet critically examined his work and has not distanced himself sufficiently, it goes on to say.

The editorial team of “ttt – titel, thesen, temperamente” reacted to the first discussions online after the announcement of Mischke’s appointment. “One thing first: we hear you,” said a statement shared on Instagram on December 24th. “ttt” sees itself as a magazine and brand that “consistently deals with issues such as sexism and toxic masculinity.”

The criticism is taken seriously. That’s why there have been intensive discussions “for days” to examine the allegations. “We’re asking you for one thing at this point: time. We want to work through the issue and address the concerns expressed thoroughly. We’re not going to sit it out.”