Citizen Krone, Austria between the lines
This film journeys deep into the heart of Austria’s favorite daily newspaper, the Kronen Zeitung, the most widely-read paper per capita in the world. The "Krone's" 2.7 million readers represent 43% of the Austrian press market. A reflection of the Austrian soul, this newspaper serves as a prism through which we can understand the rise of the populist Right in this country and examine the dangerous flirtation between media and politics.
Type (Documentaire / Documentaire fiction / Série documentaire)DocumentaryGenre en anglaisSociety Written byNathalie Borgers, Lena DeinhardsteinDirected by Nathalie BorgersIn coproduction with Entre chien et loup, WIP - Wallonie Image Production, Navigator Film, Les Films de la GrelucheIn association with BKA - Innovative film, Centre du Cinéma et de l'Audiovisuel de la Communauté française de Belgique, CNC, Media, Procirep, Région Wallonne, Télédistributeurs Wallons, WFFBroadcasted by RTBF - Radio Télévision Belge Francophone, ARTE GEIE, PlanèteYear2002Duration57min
Director and editor-in-chief Hans Dichand’s ingenious populist strategy allows him to reach the greatest number of readers: the paper’s style and content play on base human instincts such as the fear of the “other,” the opposition between “good” and “evil,” and the common man’s sense of powerlessness in the political arena. He then wields the might of this enormous audience to influence politicians and impose his nostalgic vision of a pure, prosperous, and peaceful world.
Press coverage
In her documentary, Nathalie Borgers questions the role that daily life played in the rise of Jörg Haider's far-right party and whether the editorial line reflects Austrian sensibilities or, conversely, manipulates them. An excellent piece of work.
Le Figaro
Nathalie Borgers' fascinating documentary traces the tumultuous history of this populist newspaper, which is 102 years old.
L'Humanité
One of Nathalie Borgers' great achievements is managing to gain access to Kronen, entering all the editorial departments, and getting the section heads and even the top editor to speak.
Libération
Plunged into the heart of the Kronen Zeitung, a populist and reactionary tabloid, both an instrument of power and a mirror of Austrian mentality.
Les Inrockuptibles
Nathalie Borgers succeeded in penetrating the reputedly impregnable fortress of Hans Dichand, the demagogic and all-powerful head of the publication. Disturbing.
Télérama
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