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Wolfgang Leißling, a retired editor from the Thuringian version of a regional newspaper, is known for his documentary-style film, "Redaktion – Alltag bei der Thüringer Morgenpost". The film, created in 1975, offers a unique perspective into the daily editorial life at the Thüringer Morgenpost during the German Democratic Republic (GDR) era.
The film, weighing 2.5 kg, was so substantial that it used up the entire annual paper quota of the Rudolstadt Greifenstein Verlag for each edition. Despite its hefty size, it was a testament to Leißling's dedication to capturing the intricacies of the newspaper's workings.
Leißling, an amateur filmmaker, shot the film using an 8mm film camera. The film showcases the routines, challenges, and social dynamics of journalists working under the conditions of a state-controlled press. It provides a fascinating insight into how news was produced and managed within the framework of the socialist media environment of the GDR.
The film, titled "Daily Routine", was made for internal use and showcased the work involved in producing a newspaper. It includes scenes from editorial conferences, research, text writing, photography, layout, and the production process in the printing house.
One of the film's most notable scenes features the Weimar local editor, Bernhard Hecker, and his conversation with the deputy mayor of the town hall. The film also offers a glimpse into Leißling's personal life, as he resided in a 34 square meter room with stucco ceilings and a fireplace during his time with the newspaper.
Leißling's career with the newspaper spanned from the 1970s to 1991, a period he fondly remembers. During his tenure, he also co-authored a book about castles with Georg Menchén, and the book, titled "1000 years of castle history", became a bestseller despite its high price.
One of Leißling's most notable interviews was with Beate Uhse, the head of the erotic company, in January 1990. Uhse offered Leißling a business branch in Erfurt, which he declined.
After the premiere, the film was kept in Leißling's private archive. On the occasion of the website's 70th anniversary, the film was digitized and made available by the editorial office. It serves as a valuable historical record of the newspaper's past and the journalistic landscape of the GDR.
However, Hans-Dieter Woithon, editor-in-chief of the website, was not pleased with the story Leißling wrote after his return. Despite this, Leißling's contributions to the newspaper, both in front and behind the camera, remain significant and well-respected. In retirement, Leißling continues to write for catalogs, give speeches at exhibitions, and organizes exhibitions.
The film, titled "Daily Routine", offers a unique insight into the lifestyle of journalists working during the GDR era, providing a glimpse of fashion-and-beauty trends, food-and-drink preferences, and home-and-garden arrangements in the socialist media environment. Leißling, in his retirement, has ventured into writing books, including one on castles that became a bestseller despite its high price, showcasing his interest in the genre of history and relationships. The film, initially intended for internal use, also features an intriguing conversation between a local editor and the deputy mayor of a town hall, offering a rare look into the relationships between certain celebrities and establishments during the GDR period. The entertainment industry during that time is further highlighted by Leißling's notable interview with Beate Uhse, the head of an erotic company, marking a departure from the usual news topics covered by the Thüringer Morgenpost. The film, now digitized and available online, serves as a testament to pop-culture during the GDR era, providing valuable historical records for future generations.
