2023-07-28 08:38:42
The broadcaster RBB fell into an unprecedented crisis a year ago.
Massage seats, investigations by the public prosecutor’s office, opaque bonuses for executives, a committee of inquiry, a dismissed artistic director, a looming gap of millions: the past year of the ARD broadcaster Berlin-Brandenburg (RBB) can be told using many episodes.
The processing of the scandal, which arose almost exactly 365 days ago, and the realignment afterwards will take a long time. However, a decisive transition is imminent in the station: the former deputy spokeswoman for the black-red German federal government and journalist, Ulrike Demmer, will take over as RBB director from interim boss Katrin Vernau. Curious: Vernau still doesn’t know her last day at work. However, it will be over by September 14 at the latest. The 50-year-old then returned to Westdeutscher Rundfunk as administrative director.
Vernau had stepped in in the fall. The house was in a turbulent state at the time: the focus was and is on allegations of nepotism and waste against the director Patricia Schlesinger, who was fired without notice, and the resigned chief inspector Wolf-Dieter Wolf, both of whom rejected them. It is the presumption of innocence.
The interim boss brought structure back: she clarified internally, revealed an impending gap of millions and pushed a 49 million euro savings plan including job cuts. Vernau would have continued the director’s job, but did not apply – also due to a lack of interest. Looking back, she says: “I still believe that I could have been asked.”
#ARD #scandal #reverberates