Politics · Germany · 6 hrs ago
NDR seeks removal of satirical Die Linke video parodying Tagesschau
The NDR has demanded that Die Linke remove a satirical video posted on Instagram.
The video, called “Linkenschau,” mimics the look of the German news programme Tagesschau and features party leader Ines Schwerdtner.
The broadcaster says the parody copies its trademarks and distinctive visual style and warned it could pursue legal action if the video remained online.
It said it would initially forgo damages if the party removed the video and did not post it again.
Die Linke rejected the demand, arguing that the NDR itself uses the party’s logo in satirical segments on the programme Extra 3.
The party’s lawyer also said viewers would not mistake the parody for Tagesschau.
The dispute centres on whether the video infringes the broadcaster’s trademarks and whether the party’s satire is protected.
The NDR’s stated deadline for removing the video was November 13, and it warned that further legal steps could bring costs.
NDR has demanded that Die Linke remove a satirical video parodying the Tagesschau, citing alleged trademark infringement.
The video, posted on Instagram, features party leader Ines Schwerdtner presenting a spoof called “Linkenschau.”
NDR said the party must remove the video and not publish it again, and warned of further legal action.
Die Linke rejected the demands and accused NDR of applying different standards to its own satire.
The party’s lawyer argued that viewers would not confuse the parody with the Tagesschau.
- Who
- NDR is seeking the removal of a video posted by Die Linke, whose leader Ines Schwerdtner appears in it.
- What
- NDR alleges trademark infringement and demands that the video be removed and not republished. Die Linke rejects the demand.
- When
- NDR’s letter was dated 12 November 2026, with a deadline of 13 November.
- Where
- The video was posted on Instagram.
- Why
- NDR says the video excessively imitates its trademarks and characteristic elements. Die Linke says the parody is not likely to be confused with the Tagesschau and accuses NDR of double standards.
NDR
Die Linke
Video and trademarks
NDR
NDR says the video excessively copies and imitates its trademarks and characteristic elements.
Die Linke
Die Linke rejects NDR’s demands as invalid and says the video is an obvious parody.
Risk of confusion
NDR
NDR seeks removal of the video.
Die Linke
Die Linke’s lawyer says viewers would not confuse it with the Tagesschau.
Standards for satire
NDR
NDR seeks to stop the video from being republished.
Die Linke
Die Linke says NDR applies different standards to the party’s publications than to its own satire.
NDR’s legal department dated its letter demanding removal of the video.
The deadline set by NDR for compliance fell on this date.
- Video platform
- Parody title
- Linkenschau
- Person appearing in video
- Ines Schwerdtner, Die Linke leader
- NDR letter date
- 12 November 2026
- NDR deadline
- 13 November
What people are saying
That you apply different standards to our clients’ media publications than to yourself is incomprehensible.
so absurd that an average viewer already sees no risk of confusion