ZDF Remote Council Backs Journalists Amid US Visa Dispute
WASHINGTON/BERLIN – Germany’s public broadcasters are jointly protesting a proposed restriction on journalist visas by the United States, following a dispute involving accusations leveled against two German correspondents. The ZDF remote council, representing both public and private broadcasters, has moved to support journalists Antje hayali and Thomas Theveßen, who have faced hostility and visa challenges from US authorities.
The escalating situation centers on concerns over press freedom and reciprocal reporting access. Washington’s plan to limit the validity of journalist visas from multiple years to 240 days has sparked alarm, with German officials arguing it will severely hinder reporting from within the US. This move comes amid a specific case involving Theveßen, a correspondent who publicly criticized Stephen Miller, a senior White House aide, drawing the ire of former US Ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell.
According to a report delivered to the television council on September 18, 2025, grenell requested the revocation of Theveßen’s US journalist visa. Grenell reportedly took issue with Theveßen’s assertion that Miller espoused “the ideology of the Third Reich.” Grenell, in turn, labeled Theveßen a “left-wing radical” and alleged the correspondent had incited violence against political opponents.
The German broadcasters have collectively appealed to Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the Federal Foreign Office, urging an official protest to the United States. Officials describe this collaborative effort as “quite unique,” highlighting the gravity of the situation and the shared commitment to protecting journalistic independence.The outcome of this diplomatic push will determine the future of press access for German journalists working in the US and could set a precedent for reciprocal treatment of American journalists abroad.