BILD's role as the biggest tabloid in Germany has been met with loads of criticism throughout the years since founding on June 24, 1952. In recent months with events such as the Germanwings plane crash or the drowned refugee child Aylan Kurdi, BILD was confronted with massive criticism regarding the use of images in daily journalism. in order to get our point across, that images can be as powerful as the written word, the decision was made to publish one issue without any images at all.

Today you have witnessed BILD appear in a special way. It’s an appearance of high importance for us. An issue without any images form the editors office.

The spaces which are usually filled with images appeared as blank spaces. In our newspaper as well as on our digital channels (until 12 PM) we have decided to waive the images. With this we wanted to show the importance of photos in journalism. It is worth to be fighting for the best images every day!

Photos are able to uncover what the powerful people intend to hide. Images address our emotions. They show beautiful moments but gruesome ones, too. They allow us to feel empathy with people.

Think of the black-and-white image of a Vietnamese girl. She runs towards the photographer screaming. In the background we see American soldiers and black smoke rising.

Until today this image influences disgust with war more than any political speech, more than any written word.

But also the image of drowned Aylan (3) washed up at the beach went around the world. It made millions of people aware with consternation but also compassion. This is why over and over again BILD publishes controversial images – often facing harsh resistance. The world needs to see the truth in order to change.