“I never let myself be taken over by any side”

TV presenter Linda Zervakis (47) has rejected criticism of her public appearances for the federal government and emphasized her journalistic independence. "As a freelance presenter, I was and am not only working for German TV stations," said the former "Tagesschau" spokeswoman and current ProSieben presenter on Wednesday of the German Press Agency. "I also regularly moderate events." Various companies, private individuals and institutions asked her to moderate events. "In the past, this also included federal authorities and ministries," says Zervakis.

“In relation to my person, it is currently being discussed whether event moderation commissioned by these institutions affects the independence of the press. The discussion is increasingly being exploited from various sides,” said Zervakis. "I have never let myself be taken over by any side and will continue on this path."

Linda Zervakis organized the events “Germany. Immigration country - the dialogue for shareholders and respect", "German Integration Award 2018", "German Integration Award 2019" and "German Integration Award 2020". According to her management, she received a fee for moderating the events.

Several media, first the "taz", had discussed paid appearances by journalists in the past few days. Among other things, it was about a moderation by Zervakis at the re:publica conference in Berlin, where she interviewed Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD).

“Ms. Zervakis did not receive a fee for the conversation with the Federal Chancellor on June 9th, 2022 at the re:publica,” emphasized the management. “Instead, a lump sum was paid. Zervakis has always fulfilled his contractual obligations to ARD and ProSieben.

According to the Federal Press Office, a lump sum of EUR 1130.50 was agreed for the appearance at the re:publica. "This flat-rate fee should cover all costs incurred by the moderator and her team," said a spokeswoman.