This is also part of crisis communication: mistakes must be admitted without any ifs or buts, in accordance with the principle that journalists must never be lied to. Communicating appropriately to the situation - proactively, consistently but appropriately - is anything but easy.
Marcus Knill is an expert in media rhetoric and author of the virtual navigation platform for communication and media.
There is the "Spiegel", in the German germany rcs data automobile scandal. And there is the "Spiegel", which is deliberately and persistently damaging its reputation. Overshadowed by the arrogance of not being able to admit in this case: "That was really stupid, we say what it is and are not afraid of the truth: we messed up, shot ourselves in the foot, we will never do that again."
In times like these, the messiahs of the industry are booming. Former Watson boss Hansi Voigt dreams of his internet platform "Wepublish" , which is to become a marketplace for the best stories. Preferably ad-free. Constantin Seibt's much-vaunted "Republik" is already being celebrated as an alternative to the capitalist media system. But neither Seibt nor Voigt have had to pass a reality test so far. This is in contrast to the reviled publishing houses. But walking on water is sometimes easier than swimming in it. Especially in a storm.