Download "Fall of the Wall: Special broadcast Aktuelle Kamera 09.11.1989"

It's 11:04 p.m. on November 9, 1989, in Berlin when East German television's Aktuelle Kamera goes on air once again. Apparently in the presence of thousands of people who have since made their way to the sector crossings in East Berlin. Arriving at the border checkpoints, they loudly demand to be allowed to travel to West Berlin. Only with identity cards – without passports, visas, or a specific reason for travel. At the beginning of the broadcast, a good four hours have passed since the press conference at which SED Politburo member Günter Schabowski inadvertently announced the opening of the GDR's border to the Federal Republic and West Berlin. Around 20 minutes earlier, at around 10:42 p.m., "Tagesthemen" presenter Hanns Joachim Friedrichs declared to an audience of millions – including many GDR citizens – that "the gates in the Wall" were "wide open." But that's not true at all – not yet... Because when news anchor Wolfgang Meyer, in the unusual late edition of Aktuelle Kamera, "once again" informs about "the new travel regulations of the Council of Ministers" "in response to requests from many citizens," there are exactly 26 minutes left until the historic moment of November 9, 1989: the moment when Harald Jäger, duty officer at the Bornholmer Brücke border checkpoint, finally orders the barrier to be opened under the impression of the ever-growing crowds. So, while GDR citizens out in East Berlin are finally fighting for their freedom (to travel) and are on the verge of storming the Wall, Aktuelle Kamera curiously informs that this is precisely not possible. According to the program, private trips abroad can be applied for without any special requirements, family relationships, or reasons for travel. But then GDR television states rather didacticly: "So: The trips must be applied for." Apparently, SED strategists at this point believed that the uncontrolled emigration of GDR citizens could still be stopped. Permits were to be granted "at short notice." "Permanent emigration" was now also possible without the previously applicable requirements. Travelers could use all border crossings from East Berlin and the GDR to West Berlin or the Federal Republic. Further reports on political developments are being made: A special session of the People's Chamber is scheduled for Monday to form a new government and discuss the critical situation. It is emphasized that this step is long overdue. Furthermore, the SED announces a party conference for mid-December, at which a reassessment of the current situation and changes within the party are to take place. In another article, SED Politburo member Günter Schabowski is shown at his now famous press conference. He speaks about the planned new electoral law, which is intended to guarantee free, secret elections and public oversight of them. Schabowski emphasizes the need for democratic reforms and a pluralistic society. Contact with representatives of the New Forum is also mentioned.   The crucial passage of the press conference, in which Schabowski announced the opening of the border at 6:57 p.m., was not rebroadcast by GDR television. It also doesn't fit with the implementation of the travel law, as desired by the state and party leadership. After all, if one can simply cross over to the West without a passport, visa, or specific reason for travel – why do we still need a wall...?