Cologne, Germany -- Peter Frey has been named the new editor-in-chief at German public broadcaster ZDF following a nomination process plagued by internal drama and political scandal.
Frey was not the first candidate for the job. The contract for ZDF's current editor-in-chief, Nikolaus Brender, was up for renewal. Brender had the support of the network's director and a majority of its rank-and-file.
But Roland Koch, a right-wing politician and governor of the state of Hessen, where ZDF has its corporate headquarters, blocked the move. Using his influence with other conservative political appointees on ZDF's executive board, Koch was able to prevent Bender from receiving the two-thirds majority of votes he need to renew his contract.
Koch has been accused of trying to silence free speech and exert political control over the country's tax-financed broadcasting system. One opposition politician has dubbed him "Roland Berlusconi" comparing Koch's move to the...
Frey was not the first candidate for the job. The contract for ZDF's current editor-in-chief, Nikolaus Brender, was up for renewal. Brender had the support of the network's director and a majority of its rank-and-file.
But Roland Koch, a right-wing politician and governor of the state of Hessen, where ZDF has its corporate headquarters, blocked the move. Using his influence with other conservative political appointees on ZDF's executive board, Koch was able to prevent Bender from receiving the two-thirds majority of votes he need to renew his contract.
Koch has been accused of trying to silence free speech and exert political control over the country's tax-financed broadcasting system. One opposition politician has dubbed him "Roland Berlusconi" comparing Koch's move to the...
- 12/11/2009
- by By Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Christoph Waltz, who plays the evil Hans Landa in "Inglourious Basterds," will receive a Special Achievement Award at the 12th annual eDIT Filmmaker's Festival, running Oct. 4-6 in Frankfurst, Germany.
"We are thrilled to honor Christoph Waltz," said Tom Atkin, co-director of the festival. "Christoph Waltz's performance is right up there with Sir Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter and Javier Bardem as Anton Chigurh for being some of the best evil-doers to ever grace the screen."
Waltz won the best actor award at the 2009 Festival de Cannes for his performance.
The honor is only the second time that the festival bestowed its Special Achievement Award. In 2006, actor Andy Serkis received the award for his performances as Gollum in "The Lord of the Rings" and Kong in "King Kong."
Waltz will receive the award during the Oct. 4 opening gala, hosted by Roland Koch, minister president of the State of Hessen.
"We are thrilled to honor Christoph Waltz," said Tom Atkin, co-director of the festival. "Christoph Waltz's performance is right up there with Sir Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter and Javier Bardem as Anton Chigurh for being some of the best evil-doers to ever grace the screen."
Waltz won the best actor award at the 2009 Festival de Cannes for his performance.
The honor is only the second time that the festival bestowed its Special Achievement Award. In 2006, actor Andy Serkis received the award for his performances as Gollum in "The Lord of the Rings" and Kong in "King Kong."
Waltz will receive the award during the Oct. 4 opening gala, hosted by Roland Koch, minister president of the State of Hessen.
- 9/14/2009
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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