Germany

[DE] "Judas-Game" Title Prohibited

IRIS 2004-3:1/15

Carmen Palzer

Institute of European Media Law (EMR), Saarbrücken/Brussels

On 5 February 2004, the Bayerische Landeszentrale für neue Medien (Bavarian New Media Authority - BLM), the responsible regional media authority, prohibited the TV broadcaster Kabel 1 from broadcasting its "Judas Game" show under that name. Its decision was based on the belief that the programme title was likely to offend against religious sentiments and stir up anti-Semitic feelings. In the past, especially during the Nazi era, the name "Judas" had been synonymous not only with a liar and traitor, but also with the image of the Jewish people.

The broadcaster Kabel 1 subsequently renamed the game show, which involves finding out which of six candidates is telling an fictitious story, the "J-Game". In a press release, it said that the name of the show was already being used in other countries, where there had been no criticism or complaints. Nevertheless, out of respect for the views of the Central Jewish Council in Germany, which had also criticised the programme's name, it agreed to change the title.