Interviews and discussions can take various forms and serve different purposes. However, discussions must always be well prepared and conducted in a professional manner.

In news programmes, conversations should be avoided in which the journalist is clearly ‘on unfamiliar ground’ and is therefore unable to ask critical questions or contradict false claims.

Exceptions apply in breaking news situations.

An interview must have a clear objective. The questioning should be based on the audience’s level of knowledge, not on that of the person asking the questions.

Many interviews are edited, so that often only individual quotes are used. We take care to use the best argument of each interviewee.

The necessary edits do not release us from our obligation to conduct a coherent, logical conversation with the interviewees and to be well-versed in the subject matter. Live broadcasts pose particular challenges: presenters must ensure that the discussion remains objective and fair at all times.

The presenter must correct any non-objective or unsubstantiated statements or false claims – or at least mention the opposing positions. Where accusations or allegations are made against third parties, the accused must be given a right of reply. If they are not available, the presenter must mention their position or presumed position.

Particularly in polarising debates, we ensure that discussions are conducted in a respectful manner and that time allotted for speaking is distributed evenly. The presenter ensures that all participants respect the established rules and that the discussion proceeds in an atmosphere of dignity and fairness.