Introducing Common Ground

Veteran war correspondent Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson introduces *Common Ground*, a new talk show on KCRW Berlin designed to foster civil dialogue on polarizing issues affecting the German capital. Drawing on her experiences reporting from conflict zones like Afghanistan, Nelson argues that structured conversation is the essential alternative to the "screaming matches" prevalent on social media. The inaugural episode investigates the contentious question of Berlin identity, examining the friction between long-term residents, international newcomers, and the lingering cultural divide between Eastern and Western Berliners. By contrasting John F. Kennedy’s iconic 1963 declaration of solidarity with modern-day disparagement of outsiders, the program seeks to forge consensus on what defines a "real Berliner" in an increasingly diverse city. The show premieres September 7th via live Zoom, followed by weekly broadcasts and podcast releases.