The ARD has abruptly canceled the popular quiz show "Wer weiß denn sowas?" after discovering the involvement of comedian Bernhard Hoëcker, who appeared in a political advertisement for the Greens. This decision was made public on February 21, 2025, just days before the upcoming Bundestagswahl (federal election) on February 25, 2025. A spokesman for ARD confirmed this decision to the magazine dwdl.de, stating the cancellation is due to strict election campaign regulations.
Under these regulations, which are aimed at maintaining the impartiality of public broadcasters, any program-shaping personalities actively participating in political campaigning are barred from appearing on screen for the six weeks leading up to the election. Hoëcker, who serves as the team captain on the quiz show, inadvertently triggered this rule when he showcased his support for the Greens via social media.
Consequently, the episode featuring veteran actors Wolfgang Stumph and his daughter Stephanie has been pulled from the schedule. Instead, viewers will be treated to a rerun of the quiz show "Gefragt - Gejagt," which filled the vacated time slot at 6 p.m. The decision also reflects ARD’s consistent stance on political neutrality as the election approaches.
Hoëcker’s absence from the show highlights the rigorous policies set forth by the public broadcaster. These rules have been enforced uniformly across various programs and channels, as seen with the recent case of comedian Max Uthoff. He too was sidelined from performing on ZDF’s “Die Anstalt” on February 11, 2025, shortly after he appeared with his wife in election advertising for the far-left party Die Linke.
The move by ARD serves as both a reminder and a caution to public figures within the broadcasting domain about the constraints imposed during volatile electoral periods. While Hoëcker has yet to issue any public comment on the situation, followers of the show and the comedian await his return, which is set to occur after the elections on March 11, 2025.
Until then, ARD aims to assure its audiences of the integrity of its programming. These regulations are not unique; they are intended to prevent perceived biases and maintain public trust as the nation heads to the polls.
Essentially, the swift action taken by ARD demonstrates the influence and weight of election campaign laws on media appearances. With political tensions running high as election day nears, viewers can expect various programming adjustments and more significant discussions surrounding media and politics.