Gazing up at the Die Maus Statue, have you ever considered its journey? This isn’t just a statue. It’s a symbol, a traveler, and a champion of public broadcasting. The Die Maus Statue, a familiar sight outside the Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) building in Cologne, returned here in October 2024. Its adventure began earlier that month. The organization Campact orchestrated its temporary “departure”. This wasn’t a theft, but a strategic move.
The Die Maus Statue embarked on a nationwide tour. Its mission? To raise awareness and protest proposed budget cuts to public broadcasting institutions like ARD and ZDF. This beloved oversized mouse, created by WDR, became an ambassador. It traveled across Germany, meeting politicians and media figures. The statue even paid a visit to Jan Böhmermann in Cologne-Ehrenfeld. This visit highlighted the potential impact of budget cuts. Böhmermann’s show, “ZDF Magazin Royale,” aired on ZDF Neo, a channel threatened by the proposed cuts.
The Die Maus Statue’s travels took it to Mainz. There, it stood in solidarity with its colleagues at 3sat, a cultural channel also facing potential closure. The statue then journeyed to Erfurt. It presented a petition with over 346,142 signatures to Thuringian Minister President Bodo Ramelow. This petition urged against the cuts. The statue’s journey highlighted the importance of diverse and independent media, especially in an era of misinformation.
The Die Maus Statue returned to its home outside the WDR in Cologne after its impactful journey. It stands as a reminder of the value of public broadcasting and the power of peaceful protest. Next time you see the Die Maus Statue, remember its adventure. It’s more than just a photo opportunity. It’s a testament to the importance of a well-informed public and the role of media in our society.