OÖN-TV: What role does scientific evidence play in reporting?
Dr. Friedrich Hausjell: A big. We are asked as experts in various areas to assess issues. When it comes to medical questions, as in the case of the corona pandemic, medical professionals are asked. Due to the disputes in society, we are currently in a situation where both doctors and scientists are being attacked by individuals. That is a situation that is quite unbearable in a liberal democracy. And that in a society in which a generally good level of education has actually been achieved.
Why are journalists insulted as mass murderers at demonstrations?
The bearers of the supposedly bad news were already portrayed in ancient history as the cause of the situation. But we have to focus even more vehemently on those who caused the poisoning of the climate and unsettled many people. There are many parallels to the refugee crisis (in 2015, editor’s note): Some make a political deal out of it, others spread false news because they are victims of their own fears. In this case, journalists are the bad guys because they make it very clear that it is in our own hands.
Why is it that so many people let themselves be influenced by reporting that is not based on facts?
We all live with a bundle of fears and worries – and we sometimes explain the world to ourselves with connections that have not been proven. A certain amount of conspiracy myths is not a problem at all as long as they do not meet a communicative infrastructure, as it has now been created through the various digital channels. None of us want to be monitored or remotely controlled, but you put yourself and others at risk if you give the wrong advice and make wrong decisions yourself in a really challenging situation.
Servus TV is financed by Dietrich Mateschitz. Why do protesters identify with someone who runs a multi-billion dollar company?
This question should be asked of all those who adore the station boss Ferdinand Wegscheider and consider him the best in the media market. The interests of the public service broadcaster, on the other hand, are clearly different, the ORF has a clear programming mandate. Of course there is also a dispute about party-political influences. But have we ever argued about how much influence Mateschitz can have on Servus TV? No, because not a single journalist at the station dares to do it. Most people do not know what the media are like and who is in charge and where.
Video: You can see the full length of the conversation here
Source: Nachrichten
