RS#06 2016: Did the BVG steal a font?

Radio Spaetkauf Berlin

Berlin typographer Anton Koovit spent over a year creating his font called U8, based on the letters on U-Bahn station signs. Recently the BVG began using Koovit's font to print new signs. But they didn't bother to pay for a license. We talk to Anton about his font, and what he plans to do about the BVG's piracy. Bicycle riders working for the food delivery company Deliveroo recently launched a protest action at having their weekend bonuses cut without warning. They turned the logos on the delivery bags upside down to get the startup's managers to address their concerns. We interview one bicycle courier about the action, which he says was taken to prevent conditions getting any worse. Berlin's population boom means we might have to give up a bit of green space. Now the city's open air swimming pools are being targeted as potential development zones. The Berliner Bäderbetrieb, which runs the pools, has been asked if it will give up some land to allow a city-owned housing company to develop flats. Churches are also being asked to hand over old cemeteries for refugee shelters. And co-host Jöran Mandik continues his campaign to get elected to the Berlin Abgeordnetenhaus. He has registered as an independent candidate, and now requires 45 supporting signatures to get on the ballot. Will you sign up? Drop us an e-mail at [e-mail].