#340 - Die Pressefreiheit ist bedroht - wir sind der Beweis
Summary
In this episode, host Kai Liegmann interviews the 24-year-old founder of Apollo News, a liberal-conservative media outlet based in Berlin-Kreuzberg. They discuss the severe harassment and violence the team faces, including physical attacks on reporters and threats from left-wing groups. The conversation covers the founder’s background growing up in a diverse neighborhood and his views on cultural integration and political Islam. Additionally, they explain Apollo News’s unique business model, which relies on voluntary subscriptions without a paywall to maintain broad reach.
Topics discussed
Attacks on journalists and media labeling
Guest introduction and background
Founding story and Kreuzberg connection
Personal attachment to the neighborhood
Resilience during difficult times
Psychological pressure and intimidation tactics
Distrust and accusations of provocation
Skepticism towards young journalists
Business model and no-paywall principle
Subscription benefits and ad-free access
Podcast growth and audience thanks
Changes in Kreuzberg and personal history
Family dynamics and religious background
Veganism and cultural identity markers
Political labeling and the 'Nazi' accusation
Showcase migrants and broad perspectives
Rejection of mass political happenings
Core beliefs in Western society
Uniqueness of Western cultural history
Historical comparison of Islam and West
Family reaction to political views
Early political activism and blogging
Definition of liberalism in Germany
Early online community building
Forming the initial team
Uncertainty about career path
Starting at News and Corona coverage
Impact of Corona on young students
Vaccination debates and risk assessment
Mainstream media shift and Reichelter
Investigating election errors
Legitimizing democracy vs delegitimizing
Principles of secret ballot
The ceremonial aspect of voting
Transition from News to Apollo
Early funding and ownership structure
Ozempic advertisement break
Media ownership and corporate risks
Leaving News to start Apollo
Avoiding boulevard journalism
Founding team working for free
Challenges of starting a media company
Leadership and shareholder structure
Early office conditions
Investigating a school bullying case
Fundloop advertisement break
The investigative research process
Legal threats and confrontation
Media law during the Corona era
Right of reply and publication delays
Ethical risks in investigative journalism
Legal strategies against media
Aggressive litigation as a tactic
Future legal challenges and social media
Newsworthiness of non-litigation
Investigative focus and press conferences
Viral moments at press conferences
Brand building vs personal brands
Economic control by founding team
Financial stability and salaries
Interview with Russian ambassador
Defining the news value of the interview
Russian diplomatic statements on nukes
Shock value of the ambassador's words
Faction discipline and ambassador role
Skurrile image of the ambassador
German rearmament and defense
Russian panic strategy in Ukraine
Short transition segment
Inconsistency in German foreign policy
Importance of diplomatic relations
Complexity of the geopolitical situation
Relevance of German position in Ukraine
Nord Stream and symbolic actions
German insignificance in the conflict
Media reception of the ambassador interview
News value and reach considerations
Media strategy towards the AfD
Avoiding one-sided conflict narratives
Editorial freedom and independence
Advertising blacklists and brand safety
Impact of shadowbanning on revenue
Double standards in brand safety
Spiegel cover and brand safety debate
Advice for young entrepreneurs
Living in crazy times and identity
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