Patricia Schlesinger’s era as RBB director is over: there is already discussion about who her possible successor could be. The requirement profile is demanding.
After Schlesinger’s RBB affair, Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg needs a new director. After allegations of nepotism, dubious consultancy contracts and expenses, Schlesinger announced her resignation on August 7th. The 30-strong Broadcasting Council of the RBB with representatives of parties and social groups is responsible for the procedure of a new election. A selection committee is to be set up to screen for possible candidates. Successors would also be sought outside of the station.
The directorships of the public service broadcasting houses are mostly male and staffed by people from the West. With the RBB, however, this could now look different. Candidates from East Germany in particular are the focus of attention when it comes to finding a replacement. One thing is certain: the replacement must stand for a new start for RBB, because the recovery from Schlesinger’s scandals is not an easy task. Who could fit into the demanding job profile?
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The flagship of ARD: Tina Hassel, the head of the ARD capital studio, wanted to become ZDF director last year. After the 58-year-old received fewer votes than Norbert Himmler in the first two ballots, she withdrew her candidacy after the second ballot. Hassel is considered a candidate for the left-progressive circle of friends in the television council, reported the “Tagesspiegel”. It remains to be seen whether your chances in Berlin-Brandenburg are better this time than when you last ran for directorship.
Christine Strobl, former head of the ARD film subsidiary Degeto and experienced media manager, fought her way to the top of the ARD program management. The 51-year-old is the daughter of Wolfgang Schäuble and could serve as an external solution for the RBB directorship. As program director of the ARD, Strobl has been carrying out an extensive restructuring of the ARD television programs since May 2021. Her focus is more on entertainment than news.
According to the “Tagesspiegel”, people from the RBB’s own ranks have a particularly good chance of becoming director: Because the person would be familiar with the structures of the house and the trust of the employees would also be greater with a familiar face. Martina Zöllner, head of the documentary and fiction program area, could fit into RBB’s ideas. The 61-year-old already has the reputation of an excellent program maker and greater merits at SWR.
New attempt for Theo Koll? In 2016, Koll lost to Patricia Schlesinger in six long ballots. According to the “Tagesspiegel” he would be seen as a candidate for the RBB directorship. The 64-year-old runs the ZDF capital city studio in Berlin and moderates “Berlin direct”. He does not lack sympathy in the RBB broadcasting council. At the request of the “Tagesspiegel”, Koll said he would be the last to comment on this cause.
Matthias Deiß could also be an option for Schlesinger’s successor. The 44-year-old is deputy head of the ARD capital studio, which is part of the RBB aegis. Deiß can currently be seen in the summer interviews in the “Report from Berlin”. For a long time he worked as a reporter for the RBB and has been running the RBB political magazine “Contrasts” for four years.
