By MDR SACHSEN Editorial Team
Updated: July 11, 2026, 9:00 PM
In an era where the distance between media institutions and the public can often feel vast, MDR SACHSEN has taken a deliberate step to bridge that gap. Under the banner "Dein Ort. Deine Themen" (Your Place. Your Topics.), the public broadcaster brought its editorial operations directly to the historic Neustadt district of Zittau this Saturday. The event was not merely a broadcast exercise; it was a comprehensive engagement effort designed to allow citizens to voice concerns, celebrate local successes, and influence the regional news agenda.
The day culminated in a live broadcast of the SACHSENSPIEGEL from the bustling Zittau City Festival, providing a vivid showcase of the city’s cultural landscape and the specific challenges faced by its residents.
The Core Objective: A Direct Line to the Public
The initiative "Dein Ort. Deine Themen" is built on a simple premise: journalists must be present where the stories unfold. By setting up a base on the Zittauer Neustadt, the MDR team created a transparent, low-barrier environment where residents could engage with reporters, editors, and presenters.
"What moves Saxony drives us," stated Andreas Fritsch, the Director of the MDR Landesfunkhaus. The sentiment was echoed throughout the day as residents approached the MDR stand to deposit written suggestions, participate in filmed interviews, and engage in impromptu debates about the future of their city. The goal was to ensure that the feedback received does not merely end up in a digital drawer, but actively shapes the editorial focus of the broadcaster in the coming months.
Chronology of the Day: From Infrastructure Concerns to Cultural Celebrations
The day began early with the setup of the MDR mobile broadcast unit. By mid-morning, the Neustadt was already humming with activity.
- 10:00 AM: The MDR stand opened to the public, immediately attracting a steady stream of residents eager to discuss local issues, ranging from transport logistics to urban development.
- 12:30 PM: Traffic on the Dresden–Görlitz railway line, which had been suspended earlier in the morning due to a police investigation into an incident between Bischofswerda and Arnsdorf, resumed. The disruption had caused significant frustration for commuters traveling to and from Zittau, highlighting one of the most pressing local issues: regional connectivity.
- 2:00 PM: The Zittau City Festival reached full momentum. The MDR team integrated themselves into the festivities, covering the science exhibits, fashion shows, and dance performances on the main stage, while the local fire department hosted an open house that drew significant interest from families.
- 7:00 PM: The highlight of the day, the SACHSENSPIEGEL live broadcast, went to air, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the festival and providing a platform for local voices to be heard across the state.
Infrastructure and Development: The "Mandau Kaserne" and Beyond
A recurring theme throughout the day was the tension between Zittau’s rich historical architectural heritage and the economic realities of modern maintenance.
The Mandaukaserne Dilemma
Perhaps the most iconic symbol of this struggle is the Mandaukaserne. Built in 1868, the structure has served as a military complex and, in more recent history, as residential housing. However, it has stood vacant for decades, falling into a state of disrepair that many residents view as a "Sleeping Beauty" tragedy. During the broadcast, reporter Viola Simank interviewed the current owner to explore potential futures for the site. The discussion underscored a profound local anxiety: will this monumental piece of Zittau’s history be saved, or is it destined for eventual demolition?
Connectivity and Transport
Marion Goldmund-Lux, a local resident, voiced a sentiment shared by many when she expressed frustration over the current state of the rail network. Frequent delays, service cancellations, and overcrowding on the Zittau–Dresden and Zittau–Görlitz lines remain a significant hurdle for those living in the border region. Residents proposed several potential solutions to the MDR team, emphasizing that reliable transport is the backbone of regional economic integration.
The Cross-Border Identity: "Mensch Nachbar"
Zittau’s identity is inextricably linked to its position at the tri-border intersection of Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. A decade ago, the MDR radio segment "Mensch Nachbar" was launched to tell the stories of those living and working across these borders.
To celebrate the ten-year anniversary of the project, presenters Julian Mengler, Petr Kumpfe, and Tomasz Sikora held a special session on the main stage. Petr Kumpfe, a journalist from Liberec, noted that for many in his home city, Zittau is the primary gateway to Germany. "I feel at home in Zittau," Kumpfe remarked, reflecting the deep cultural and personal ties that define the Euroregion Neisse.
The discussion also touched on the nuances of cross-border commerce, including the ever-popular topic of cross-border beer culture, which serves as a lighthearted but meaningful point of connection between the neighbors.
Official Response: Mayor Thomas Zenker on Local Progress
In a dedicated interview with reporter Lukas Meister, Zittau’s Lord Mayor, Thomas Zenker (voter association "Zittau kann mehr"), addressed the concerns raised by the public. Zenker acknowledged the challenges, particularly regarding the city center, but pointed to significant progress made since the reunification era.
"We have invested over 80 million euros in urban development funds," Zenker noted. He pointed to the numerous renovated historical buildings as evidence of the city’s ongoing transformation. However, he admitted that maintaining a historic city center is inherently more difficult than developing new suburban housing, citing parking availability and infrastructure maintenance as constant hurdles.
Regarding the Olbersdorfer See, Zenker emphasized the need for broader cooperation. "We need coordinated concepts that transcend municipal boundaries," he stated, highlighting that the lake’s potential is a shared responsibility among neighboring communities.
Security and the "PerIS" Video System
One of the most notable shifts in the regional conversation is the perceived change in border crime. For two decades, Zittau has been plagued by concerns over vehicle and bicycle thefts. However, recent data suggests a downward trend in these specific offenses, with a fourfold increase in the clearance rate for vehicle thefts between 2023 and 2025.
The police force attributes part of this success to the PerIS (Personnel-Independent System) video surveillance network, which was installed at three border crossings in late 2023. Martin Reiner from the Görlitz Police Directorate explained that while the system is not a panacea, it has provided critical data and served as a deterrent, contributing to a greater sense of security among the local populace.
Implications for Future Reporting
The event in Zittau serves as a blueprint for how public media can maintain relevance in a fragmented digital landscape. By acting as a mediator between the citizenry and local government, MDR SACHSEN has demonstrated that the traditional broadcast model—when combined with face-to-face interaction—remains a powerful tool for civic engagement.
The suggestions collected during the event are already being processed by the editorial team. Whether it concerns the requested installation of more accessible facilities for the disabled in the city center or the long-term restoration plans for the Mandaukaserne, these topics will form the basis of upcoming investigative reports.
As the team packed up their equipment late Saturday night, the consensus among the journalists was clear: the "Dein Ort. Deine Themen" initiative is not a one-off project but a commitment to a new way of working. By listening to the specific, granular concerns of the Zittau residents, the broadcaster is ensuring that the regional news cycle reflects the lived reality of its audience, rather than just the headlines of the day.
Final Thoughts
For those who were unable to attend in person, the invitation to participate remains open. The MDR team continues to welcome inquiries, story ideas, and feedback via their digital channels, ensuring that the dialogue started in Zittau continues well into the future. As Mayor Zenker aptly noted, the city is a work in progress—and with the continued engagement of its citizens, it is one that holds a significant amount of promise.
For more information on the "Dein Ort. Deine Themen" initiative, or to view the full video archives of the Zittau visit, please visit the MDR SACHSEN digital portal.
