Kontrafunk Radio: Germany’s Independent Media Alternative#

Kontrafunk Radio has established itself as one of Germany’s most significant alternative radio stations since June 2022. As a privately funded medium based in Switzerland, Kontrafunk offers a refreshing alternative to established German media. With a daily 18-hour program characterized by investigative journalism and diversity of opinion, Kontrafunk has built a loyal audience seeking independent and critical reporting.

The Core: Kontrafunk Current#

The heart of the program is “Kontrafunk Current,” a news show that runs daily from 5:05 to 18:05 and repeats every two hours. This show delivers in-depth analysis and background on political events from a perspective that deliberately differs from mainstream media. “Kontrafunk Current” is known for its unbiased reporting and willingness to address uncomfortable truths.

The Sunday Round: Flagship of Political Discussion#

Another highlight is the “Sunday Round,” the flagship format for political discussions. Moderated by Burkhard Müller-Ullrich, an experienced journalist with an impressive career in public broadcasting, three rotating publicists and journalists discuss the week’s topics. This format is known for its insightful analyses and courage to address controversial topics.

Regular guests include renowned journalists like Alexander Kissler from NZZ, Gudula Walterskirchen from Libratus.online, Markus Vahlefeld, and Stefan Millius. This diversity of perspectives ensures that discussions are profound and illuminated from various angles.

The Professional Exodus: From Deutschlandfunk to Kontrafunk#

Burkhard Müller-Ullrich: The Visionary Founder#

At the forefront of this media revolution stands Burkhard Müller-Ullrich, whose impressive 40-year career in public broadcasting laid the foundation for Kontrafunk’s success. From 1997 to 2000, he was editor-in-chief of the “Culture Today” department at Deutschlandfunk and established himself as one of Germany’s most respected cultural journalists. His extensive experience includes work for Bavarian Broadcasting, Swiss Radio DRS, several ARD stations, Süddeutsche Zeitung, Die Zeit, Die Welt, and Der Standard.

Volker-Andreas Thieme: The Voice of Authority#

One of the most remarkable transitions is that of Volker-Andreas Thieme, one of Deutschlandfunk’s best-known news voices, where he was heard for over two decades. Thieme brought not only his distinctive voice but also his extensive experience as a moderator of music programs and producer of countless documentaries. His move to Kontrafunk, where he now serves as chief news anchor, immediately lends the new station credibility and professional dignity.

Walter van Rossum: The Investigative Powerhouse#

Perhaps the most significant addition to Kontrafunk is Walter van Rossum, whose career spans an impressive four decades. Since 1981, he worked as a freelance author for WDR, Deutschlandfunk, DIE ZEIT, and Freitag, establishing himself as one of Germany’s most respected investigative journalists and media critics. Van Rossum’s work for WDR included moderating the prestigious discussion format “Radio House Conversations.”

Diverse Cultural Programming#

Besides political reporting, Kontrafunk offers a broad cultural program covering its audience’s interests:

• The Music Hour with Jenifer Lary: Dedicated to cultural discoveries, such as “Zemlinsky’s Hidden Gem”
• Economy and Society: Analyzes current economic topics
• The Reading Hour: Literary programs and book reviews
• Audimax: Scientific discussions and lectures
• Man and Woman: Illuminates social topics from various perspectives

This diverse offering reflects the high standards that the founders brought from public broadcasting.

Editorial Independence Through Swiss Location#

Kontrafunk’s editorial independence is enabled by its location in Steckborn on Lake Constance in Switzerland. This strategic choice allows the station to operate free from the restrictions increasingly affecting German media. As a privately funded medium, Kontrafunk is committed neither to state nor corporate interests, giving it a unique position in the German media landscape.

Funding comes mainly from listener donations and a support association, creating a direct connection between listeners and editorial staff without the usual commercial or political constraints of established media.

Controversial Topics and Open Discussion#

The “Sunday Round” regularly discusses controversial topics often avoided in conventional media landscapes. Current discussion topics include:

• Migration Policy: Open discussion about social impacts
• Rule of Law: Critical analysis of constitutional court decisions
• Corona Processing: Evaluation of pandemic measures
• AfD Role: Discussion about the AfD’s role in German politics
• International Politics: Alternative perspectives on conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other crisis areas

The discussions are characterized by a directness rarely found in established media. The “Sunday Round” guests come from various political and journalistic spectrums, including politicians like Erika Steinbach, journalists like Thomas Fasbender from Berliner Zeitung, as well as publicists and academics from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Technical Reach and Availability#

Technically, Kontrafunk broadcasts 18 hours daily via internet stream and has been receivable via DAB+ in parts of Switzerland since 2024. The programs are available as podcasts, reaching a growing audience seeking alternative information sources.

A New Model for Quality Journalism#

What makes Kontrafunk particularly significant is not just the individual journalists who have joined, but what their migration represents: a renaissance of journalistic values that once characterized German public broadcasting. As listeners write, Kontrafunk is, in content, what Deutschlandfunk once was: a liberal-conservative medium of great seriousness.

The station has created an environment where experienced journalists can practice their work without the restrictions that have increasingly shaped mainstream media. Topics difficult to treat in established outlets receive thorough, differentiated coverage.

Conclusion: Sober Alternative Without Battle Cries#

Kontrafunk.radio establishes itself as a sober alternative to established German media. Without propagandistic exaggerations or “battle cries,” the station offers factual analyses and enables discussions on topics often ignored or simplified in mainstream journalism.

The station’s significance lies less in a “media revolution” than in providing a platform for differentiated journalism and political discussion. In a time when the media landscape is becoming increasingly uniform, Kontrafunk offers an alternative for listeners who desire more diverse reporting.

Kontrafunk’s success is evident in its growing audience and the quality of guests willing to appear on Kontrafunk. This speaks to a media alternative that focuses on journalistic quality rather than sensationalism or political polarization.

In an era of increasing digital surveillance and media centralization, Kontrafunk offers what German media has missed since the 1980s: genuine investigative journalism that doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable questions.

Kontrafunk.radio is available 24/7 via internet stream and DAB+. For more information, visit kontrafunk.radio.