Plans to censor Oktoberfest debauchery spark press protest

Attempts to restrict filming and photographing scenes of drunken debauchery at Munich's Oktoberfest this year has provoked accusations organisers of the beer bash are impinging freedom of the press.

The Bavarian Journalists' Union (BVJ) on Thursday condemned the move to sanitise coverage of Oktoberfest, which kicks off this weekend, as unacceptable censorship.

Press photographers and television teams will be "massively hindered" in doing their job this year at the festival, the BVJ said in a statement.

"The Oktoberfest isn't some ideal world. Reports from the bigger picture are in the public interest. This censorship shows that the right to full coverage has been sacrificed on the altar of commercialism," said BVJ President Wolfgang Stöcke.

198 words remaining. Click to read the [thelocal="http://www.thelocal.de/21997/">full article[/thelocal].

Note: Comments posted below will also be published on The Local.

The main reason people travel from all over the world is to take part in the drunken revelry, or to at least witness it. The press is their best advertisement and it is free. They don't need to buy commercial tv time or newspaper ads all over the world. They can let the reporters do it for them.

Im not heading to Munchen to witness this crap! I know it will happen, but im there to have a drink and good time with mates!

How very strange of me!! lol

Maybe I generalized too much people's motives for visiting. But cutting out the media won't suddenly make people think the Octoberfest is Church Tent Revival. They know it is the largest and best party in the world and when you get that many people together drinking, some "unseemly" behavior is sure to come about. (Munchen had a shortage of condoms after last years Fest). What they need to stress is that they have good security and it is a safe place to come. Some of the tents are wilder than others, and if you want to avoid most of the crazier stuff, come earlier in the day and leave before dark. I was able to attend last year and had a great time, but I cannot make it this year and I am very disapointed. PROST!!! to all those in attendance this year.

everyone who I ever witnessed stripping off got bundled up in a blanket by the security then chucked outside with or without their clothes. not the cleverest thing to do to be honest.

I hope that chick pictured doesn't teach at the MIS. She'll be looking for a new job come Monday.

well she did finally get her baps properly out, and even made it into the Bild.

I love the way Bild uses the English word "Security" and then makes the plural form "Securitys"