In the 75-minute broadcast on Monday evening on Das Erste, presenter Frank Plasberg discussed a controversial topic with his guests.

Therefore, besides politicians, scientific experts, representatives of other organisations and directly involved or affected persons are also among the participants of the discussion round.

The editorial staff researches information on the topic of the respective programme in order to provide additional arguments and present the background more clearly for the viewers.

The first repetitions of the current issue can be seen the following night at 03:10 am at Das Erste and on Tuesday morning at 8:45 am at WDR Fernsehen, on the same day at 10:15 am at 3sat.

From its premiere on 31 January 2001 to 10 October 2007, Hart aber fair was broadcast at WDR Fernsehen on Wednesdays at 8:15 p.m. as a 90-minute format.

Yet according to Plasberg there was soon a relationship breakdown between the new moderator and the old staff and the contract with „Ansager und Schnipselmann“ has been terminated effective December 2023 on Klamroth's request.