After death: TEZ request causes trouble in the forest cemetery of Borken

After death: TEZ request causes trouble in the forest cemetery of Borken

Cologne/Borken - A deceased citizen who was frustrated during his lifetime about the broadcasting fees of GEZ, posthumously causes outrage.

a subsequent protest

After the death of Hans-Jürgen Dickhoff from Borken (NRW), the family received a letter from the GEZ shortly after the mourning time, which asked for information about the payment of the broadcasting fees for the apartment of the deceased. The surprising advance of concerned with the former paying customer after his death led to an unusual public outcry.

a message from the hereafter

To express their outrage, the family sent an email from the perspective of the deceased. In this funny formulated, but sometimes shocking communication, Dickhoff said that he now led his life in the hereafter and finally wanted rest before the constant financial demands of the GEZ. This reflects the frustration of many citizens who have similar problems with the contribution service of the broadcasting institutions.

inappropriate demand in the funeral moment

The family members, especially son Markus Dickhoff, found the request of the GEZ as "pious". "In such a moment you could expect more sensitivity," he said, referring to the less sensitive letter from the GEZ, which contained no words of condolence and instead aimed at formal clarification of existing obligations. This rudeness illustrates the lack of reference to the GEZ to the reality and the emotional state of the bereaved.

chronic dissatisfaction

The story about Hans-Jürgen Dickhoff is not only a single episode, but also represents a broader problem within society. Since the introduction of television in the 1970s, when his family received her first color television, he has had a deeply seated dissatisfaction with the fees. This resentment reflects the experiences of many people who are dissatisfied with the quality of the broadcasting services and asks themselves why they have to pay for a service that they find inadequate.

The role of GEZ today

The GEZ, which is now known as Radio Service, reacted to this incident by pointing out that the deregistration of residents is possible online after their death. However, this answer is more likely to be a further form of alienation between citizens and this institution. Citizens expect instinctive humanity and compassion in such situations, while the GEZ continues to perceive their duty as a bureaucratic formality.

a common thing

also neighbors of Dickhoff confirm the resentment of the GEZ, which became part of the daily discussions. The story of Hans-Jürgen Dickhoff has the potential to contribute to the discussion about broadcasting fees and their perception in society. Questions about the appropriateness of such fees and their use will be loud again. It remains to be seen whether this incident will have an impact on the attitude of GEZ towards the needs and concerns of the citizens.

- Nag