Bringing Change at RBB: Leadership Steps Down Amidst Gelbhaar Controversy, Reforms Set In Motion
Yellowhair Scandal Leads to Resignations Among RBB Leadership
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News Brief: Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (RBB) has seen a shake-up in leadership following the ongoing scandal surrounding Green politician Stefan Gelbhaar. Program director Katrin Günther and editor-in-chief David Biesinger have stepped down from their positions, with structural reforms planned for the station.
In a bold move, Biesinger announced his resignation, stating, "A fresh start at the helm of the editorial department should help restore the RBB's journalistic reputation."
Court Battle Looms: Gelbhaar Seeks Compensation
Gelbhaar has demanded over 1.7 million euros in damages from RBB due to their reporting of false accusations against him, which led to him being dropped as a direct candidate for the Bundestag election. This legal battle promises to be a significant test for RBB as they strive to restore trust in their unbiased, reliable reporting.
Reforms Aim to Prevent Recurrences
Recognizing the error in their approach, RBB is implementing changes to prevent such incidents from happening again. Future investigative units will be compulsorily involved in investigations of this magnitude, and the editorial department will play a more active role in controlling such investigations. To further ensure transparency, mandatory suspicion reporting training will be introduced.
In an effort to maintain stability during this transitional period, Katrin Günther will continue to act as program director until a new appointment, and Stephanie Pieper, currently head of RBB24 Inforadio and Digital, will serve as interim editor-in-chief.
Source: ntv.de, lme/dpa
- Broadcasting History
Enrichment Data: Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (RBB) is a German public-service television and radio broadcaster. It was founded in 2003 when the television broadcasters ORB and MDR, and the radio broadcaster RIAS Berlin merged. RBB operates in the federal states of Berlin and Brandenburg and broadcasts in German language. The broadcaster offers a wide range of programs, including news, current affairs, and culture. Due to its public-service mandate, RBB aims to provide objective and unbiased reporting. The current scandal surrounding the reporting on Stefan Gelbhaar has raised questions about the accuracy of its journalism and the impact of such incidents on the reputation of public broadcasters.
- The political fallout at rbb continued, as program director Katrin Günther and editor-in-chief David Biesinger stepped down following the investigative reporting scandal involving Green politician Stefan Gelbhaar, which led to calls for compensation totaling over 1.7 million euros.
- In an attempt to reform and rebuild trust, rbb has decided to involve future investigative units in significant investigations and give the editorial department a more active role in controlling such probes. Additionally, mandatory suspicion reporting training will be introduced to ensure transparency.
- The resignation of Günther and Biesinger leaves Stephanie Pieper, currently head of RBB24 Inforadio and Digital, as the interim editor-in-chief, while Günther will continue as program director until a new appointment can be made.
