Sharp, critical, investigative. Panorama exposes, uncovers, names names. No diplomatic tone — direct confrontation with those responsible. Thoroughly researched, legally watertight. The viewer should understand why this matters to them. Presenter (Anja Reschke) sets clear accents and contextualizes.
What this format covers
●Investigative research into political abuses
●Abuse of power in politics, business, institutions
●Social injustice and structural problems
●Consumer fraud and corporate scandals
●Right-wing extremism, threats to democracy
●Lobbying and opaque influence
●Environmental scandals and health risks
What this format does NOT want
●Soft reportage or portraits
●Entertainment formats
●Historical documentaries
●Nature documentaries
●Topics without investigative core or abuse/scandal
●Purely academic analysis without concrete cases
Visual expectations
Magazine aesthetic: interviews, undercover research, vox pops, confrontation interviews. Graphics and documents as evidence. No high-gloss look — credibility through journalistic substance, not visuals. Hidden camera and anonymized sources when necessary.
Expected exposé structure
Working title (clear, pointed)
Thesis / Central revelation in 2–3 sentences
Research findings and evidence
Protagonists / those affected / those responsible
Planned confrontations and on-camera statements
Author, contact
Example productions
Panorama: Die Cum-Ex-Files
Panorama: Rechte Netzwerke in der Polizei
Panorama: Pflegenotstand — Wenn Profit vor Menschen geht
Panorama: Steuertricks der Superreichen
Editorial notes
In-house production by the editorial team, external submissions only by prior arrangement/commission. Oldest ARD political magazine (since 1961). Presenter: Anja Reschke. Programme consists of multiple segments per episode (approx. 8–12 minutes each). External journalists can pitch topics, but the editorial team typically researches itself or commissions specifically. High journalistic standards, all claims must be provable.
Ready to pitch to ARD (NDR)?
The Pitch Doctor generates a format-compliant exposé tailored to ARD Panorama's exact editorial expectations.