Radio 1: Debate in Germany Over *Die Sendung mit der Maus*

Generations of Germans have grown up with it. The children’s program *Die Sendung mit der Maus* has been on television for half a century. But the popular cartoon character Maus is now the subject of debate in Germany. What did little Maus do wrong? Journalist Ulrike Nagel reports.

Summary

Journalist Ulrike Nagel discusses the controversy surrounding the popular German children’s program “Die Sendung mit der Maus” on NPO Radio 1’s “Bureau Buitenland,” following an episode about transgender people.

• “Die Sendung mit der Maus” and Transgender People: “Die Sendung mit der Maus” is a children’s program that has been on television for half a century and has educated generations of Germans on a wide range of topics. Recently, the program dedicated an episode to the topic of transgender and transsexuality, featuring a woman who was born a boy [00:28].
• Controversy and Criticism [01:09]: This episode sparked controversy due to a column by five scientists published in the newspaper *Die Welt*. They claimed that children were being indoctrinated with this information [01:15]. Die Welt is part of the large Axel Springer Group, which also includes Bild. This sparked a heated debate between two camps: advocates for the acceptance of gender roles versus those who call it “gender madness” [01:41].
• Axel Springer’s response [01:53]: Axel Springer’s CEO could not let the criticism go unanswered. He apologized and stated internally that such columns are not acceptable. However, he also emphasized that not all 180,000 employees should be discredited because of a single column [02:03].

The discussion illustrates the sensitivity of the topic of gender identity in Germany and the role of the media in this context.

On “Bureau Buitenland,” you’ll hear international news, reports, and geopolitical analysis. Featuring background stories and noteworthy reports, Monday through Friday from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m. Hosts: Sophie Derkzen and Tim de Wit

Journalist

Ulrike Nagel