MIchaela Kolster, Co-Program Director of Phoenix, the joint broadcaster of ARD and ZDF, had an issue with her employer about a company car, according to a report by “Spiegel”. According to information from the magazine, Kolster’s husband had also used the car, who made private trips with it – and caused an accident through his own fault.
A Phoenix spokesman confirmed the incidents with the company car when asked by “Spiegel”: “In the past there have been accidents with Mrs. Kolster’s company car, also with the involvement of the husband.” been handled by the broadcaster’s fully comprehensive insurance.
The incidents had no further consequences for Kolster. According to the spokesman, however, the head of the broadcaster was “advised to use the company car judiciously”.
According to the broadcaster, the vehicle may be used privately by Ms. Kolster and her husband. Ms. Kolster will tax the resulting pecuniary benefit accordingly. The TV journalist has been program director of the political and documentary channel since 2012.
Numerous allegations against the outgoing director of Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg, Patricia Schlesinger, are currently being negotiated, including the use of her service limousine for private purposes. Other broadcasters within public broadcasting are also currently investigating possible compliance violations, as the “Spiegel” further reports.