Im Krisenmodus · May 27 · 28 min

How free is the Press? Journalism in Times of Crisis

In this episode of “Im Krisenmodus”, Jan Jessen head of politics at NRZ and war and crisis reporter for the FUNKE Media Group, speaks with photojournalists Reto Klar and André Hirtz about censorship in everyday reporting, questions of responsibility behind the camera shutter, and the quieter realities of conflict zones. The episode is prompted by Jessen’s receipt of the 2026 Press Freedom Award and explores where boundaries are necessary—and where public access to information is being restricted. Guests: Reto Klar (photographer, FUNKE) André Hirtz (photographer, FUNKE) 🧭 Episode Overview 1 | Teaser: Censorship in Everyday Reporting Opening from Kherson, featuring covered PRESS patches and Reto Klar’s remark (“image destroyed”), framing press freedom as a constant point of friction in the field. 2 | What Does Press Freedom Mean? A practical rather than legal perspective: Reto’s definition from deployment, André’s focus on plurality and professional stance, and Jan’s contextual framing. 3 | Germany: Soft Forms of Censorship Reto on experiences in Berlin (being pushed back, restricted access), and Jessen on interactions with press offices, image control, and subtle limitations. 4 | Frontlines: Security vs. Restriction André on accreditation systems, operational security (OPSEC), and location risks; Jessen on image review processes in Ukraine and guided IDF tours without independent access. 5 | What Do We Show—and What Do We Leave Out? André on ethical responsibility at the moment of capture (“What do I choose not to show?”), the use of implication instead of shock, and Jessen on editorial standards in print and audio. 6 | Facts vs. Fakes Jessen on examples from Tel Aviv: AI-generated images, deepfakes, and disinformation—and how verification and transparency are essential for maintaining trust. 7 | Why We Go Out & the Quiet Moments Reto on motivation and purpose; André on an emotional encounter in a Ukrainian senior care facility; a brief reflection on Afghanistan; concluding thoughts from Jessen. 📬 Contact & Feedback Questions, criticism, or suggestions? Get in touch: ✉️ krisenmodus@funkemedien.de 🟢 Subscribe Now Im Krisenmodus – available on all major podcast platforms: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Deezer | YouTube 📅 New Episodes Every two weeks, Wednesdays. Im Krisenmodus is a podcast by FUNKE Media Group.

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In this episode of “Im Krisenmodus”, Jan Jessen head of politics at NRZ and war and crisis reporter for the FUNKE Media Group, speaks with photojournalists Reto Klar and André Hirtz about censorship in everyday reporting, questions of responsibility behind the camera shutter, and the quieter realities of conflict zones.

The episode is prompted by Jessen’s receipt of the 2026 Press Freedom Award and explores where boundaries are necessary—and where public access to information is being restricted.

Guests:

Reto Klar (photographer, FUNKE)

André Hirtz (photographer, FUNKE)

🧭 Episode Overview

1 | Teaser: Censorship in Everyday Reporting

Opening from Kherson, featuring covered PRESS patches and Reto Klar’s remark (“image destroyed”), framing press freedom as a constant point of friction in the field.

2 | What Does Press Freedom Mean?

A practical rather than legal perspective: Reto’s definition from deployment, André’s focus on plurality and professional stance, and Jan’s contextual framing.

3 | Germany: Soft Forms of Censorship

Reto on experiences in Berlin (being pushed back, restricted access), and Jessen on interactions with press offices, image control, and subtle limitations.

4 | Frontlines: Security vs. Restriction

André on accreditation systems, operational security (OPSEC), and location risks; Jessen on image review processes in Ukraine and guided IDF tours without independent access.

5 | What Do We Show—and What Do We Leave Out?

André on ethical responsibility at the moment of capture (“What do I choose not to show?”), the use of implication instead of shock, and Jessen on editorial standards in print and audio.

6 | Facts vs. Fakes

Jessen on examples from Tel Aviv: AI-generated images, deepfakes, and disinformation—and how verification and transparency are essential for maintaining trust.

7 | Why We Go Out & the Quiet Moments

Reto on motivation and purpose; André on an emotional encounter in a Ukrainian senior care facility; a brief reflection on Afghanistan; concluding thoughts from Jessen.