No recordings in private rooms, no recordings in guest workers' accommodation, almost without exception. Qatar is banning German TV stations shortly before the World Cup, otherwise there is no filming permit. The institutions are now fighting back with the help of FIFA.
The German TV stations have spoken out against attempts at censorship by Qatar. Filming permits during the World Cup are currently subject to conditions, as confirmed by ARD. "It's true that you have to comply with certain conditions in order to get a filming permit in Qatar. We at ARD are also affected by this," it said on request.
"We are not only familiar with such requirements with regard to reporting from Qatar, but such an approach is also common in many other countries - such as recently in China." ARD will "nevertheless use all the opportunities available to it, as planned, not only to report on sports, but also to report critically and profoundly on the World Cup in Qatar."
According to unanimous statements, the conditions include a ban on filming locals in their private rooms or accommodations in which guest workers are housed. These restrictions also apply in government buildings, churches, universities, hospitals and private businesses. These restrictions are part of a list of conditions that filmmakers must agree to in order to be allowed to film. According to the Guardian, they also apply to photographers.
The ARD is also "in direct talks with FIFA about the conditions". ZDF also "is committed to comprehensive reporting from the World Cup host country outside the stadiums," said the second. The broadcaster is "in talks with FIFA about the conditions for filming permits."
The first also explained: "The personal impressions and experiences of our colleagues on site will also play a major role - and of course they will not be subject to any censorship. In addition, the ARD has already had the negative ones in extensive documentation in recent months sides of this World Cup and will continue to do so."
