Berlin’s only public access television station is under fire by critics. Founded in 1985 and modeled on U.S. public-access TV – which aims to further the freedom of speech of small, special-interest groups – the Offener Kanal provides a TV- and radio-broadcast platform for any legal German resident over the age of 18. Opponents say the channel is out of date and a refuge for egomaniacs and the mentally disturbed. They argue the special-interest groups don’t reflect society as a whole. – Die Welt (Germany) 03/02/00