BVG Ends ‘Nius’ Ad Campaign

The Berlin public transit authority BVG announced on Friday afternoon that it would end the advertising campaign run by the magazine “Nius.” The reason given was the publication of an advertising motif on social media by editor-in-chief Julian Reichelt, “which gives the impression it belonged in the Berlin U-Bahn, and which, from BVG’s perspective and according to a legal assessment, crosses the boundaries of permissible freedom of expression and advertising freedom.”
“Nius” had previously advertised on a Berlin bus with the slogan “By 6 in the morning you’ll already know what will be kept from you by 8 in the evening.” The appearance of a queer-hostile outlet’s ad at the start of Pride Month was sharply criticized by Berlin’s queer commissioner Alfonso Pantisano (TheColu.mn reported). The SPD politician urged the transit operator to end the campaign, or not participate in the Pride parade as planned.
Hours after Pantisano’s criticism, BVG issued a statement. The reason: “On June 3, a Nius representative posted a new motif on social media, which BVG clearly regards as unlawful. At the same time, the design gives the impression that this motif is part of the BVG-bought campaign and will be shown on BVG surfaces.”

BVG: Motif on social media was not part of the booked campaign
The BVG made it clear: “The motif currently circulating on social media was neither part of the booked campaign nor was it approved or published by BVG or its marketer.” As a public company it bears the responsibility to respect and protect fundamental rights. “We therefore draw clear lines where rights of third parties are violated or the impression is created or consciously generated that illegal content would be distributed or endorsed by BVG.”

“Nius” itself announced it would explore legal avenues against the halt of the campaign. The magazine defended the tweet from their editor with the words: “In the image, the motif is shown in a train car that does not resemble a BVG subway or bus.”

Queer commissioner Pantisano expressed satisfaction with the end of the campaign: “Our protest has been heard!” he said on Instagram. “Berlin’s buses and trains must not become moving advertising spaces for right-wing populism, social division, and attacks on our democratic public.”