Storm disaster in Germany – RTL reporter smears herself in mud for TV report

As Susanna Olin smeared herself in mud when sending in a report from the flood zone, broadcaster RTL put the submitter on leave. Our reporter’s approach is clearly at odds with journalistic principles and our own standards. “So we took them off on Monday after we heard about it,” a Bild media spokeswoman said.

Ohlin, who runs “Good Morning Germany” among others, appeared on the July 19 TV report as a reporter actively involved in clean-up work in North Rhine-Westphalia. As a result, videos surfaced online showing the 39-year-old shortly before the report. It shows how Ohlin smears mud on his arms and face.

The broadcaster considers the recordings to be credible, but wants to get to the heart of the allegations internally.

Meanwhile, the moderator spoke up on Instagram and apologized for her behaviour. Ohlen writes: “I made a terrible mistake on Monday in the flood zone in front of the switch for ‘Good morning, Germany’.” She particularly helped with the cleaning work in the area and felt ashamed as she wore her clean surface that morning in front of the assistants. Then, without thinking twice, I smeared my clothes with mud.