On March 18, 2025, the Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (RBB) experienced a significant shake-up as the extended editorial team publicly criticized the abrupt resignations of Program Director Katrin Günther and Editor-in-Chief David Biesinger. Both had submitted their resignations the previous week following a scandal surrounding erroneous reporting related to Green politician Stefan Gelbhaar.
The editorial team expressed its disappointment in a formal statement, declaring, “With great regret, we have taken note of the withdrawal of our Program Director Kati Günther and our Editor-in-Chief David Biesinger.” They respected the decisions made by their leadership yet believed that such drastic measures were unnecessary. “At the core of a modern culture of error for us are structural improvements, not the particularly publicly voiced call for personnel consequences,” they continued in their faxed message to the KNA media service.
This episode has raised questions about accountability and the responsibilities of journalists amidst the backdrop of pressures faced within the realm of public media. While the RBB acknowledges the serious errors that had detrimental consequences, as outlined by the editorial team, there are calls for constructive solutions rather than headrolling in response to mistakes.
The RBB had announced earlier in January 2025 that it mulled another cut of over 250 full-time positions throughout the year. This restructuring initiative has been a point of concern as the broadcaster attempts to adapt to changing demands while ensuring quality journalism amidst challenging financial landscapes. The teamwork model established by Biesinger reportedly proved crucial for guiding RBB through these transitions.
Biesinger has been at the helm as editor-in-chief at RBB since 2021, and Günther, who previously held the role of RBB sports editor, was appointed as program director in August 2024. Their respective tenures have been impacted by high-pressure situations that require rapid responses and accountability within the journalism ranks.
The editorial leadership team’s collective message underscored the importance of Biesinger's continued participation in addressing the ongoing restructuring process. They stated, “We hope that he can also be effective in a new role in the restructuring process, team-oriented and as engaged as he was as Editor-in-Chief of our institution.” This sentiment indicates a desire for his expertise to remain influential during a period of uncertainty.
Prominent signatories of the editorial team’s statement included Thomas Baumann, head of political talk formats; Sandra Hochleitner, editor-in-chief of the investigative magazine “Kontraste”; Gabriele von Moltke, head of “Abendschau”; as well as Dirk Platt and Stephanie Pieper, leading editorial figures within the organization.
Meanwhile, the RBB's leadership, including General Director Ulrike Demmer, remains hopeful for a productive dialogue regarding future assignments for both Biesinger and Günther within the organization. The resignation has sparked discussions on fostering a more supportive environment for journalists to take responsible ownership of their errors, which could ultimately promote a more resilient public broadcasting institution.
In a broader context, the cooperative spirit within the editorial offices of ÖRR has welcomed the resignations, emphasizing respect for Günther and Biesinger for taking responsibility. They have called for a forward-thinking approach to appointments, advocating for “bold new paths” that amplify the voices of the editorial departments.
What lies ahead for RBB remains uncertain, but it is clear that the organization must find a way to navigate the balance between internal accountability, employee support, and the demands of quality journalism in an evolving media landscape.
