After more than 17 years in the “Kassenrutsch” studio, Kathrin Winzenried will host her last show on December 19, 2023. As a passionate and persistent journalist and interviewer, she has always championed the cause of consumers. She has always had a strong sense of justice, says Kathrin Winzenried in the “Espresso” conversation.
“Espresso”: Kathrin, how are you feeling before your last show?
Kathrin Winzenried: “To be honest, it doesn’t feel like anything particularly special. So no big drama or anything. But there’s something unreal about it.”
So no sadness?
I think the melancholy is over the moment you decide to do something new. Then the uncertainty, the being torn back and forth ends. Once you’ve made your decision, move forward.
You have now shaped the “Kassen Crash” for 17 years. Did the show also influence you?
In any case! The variety of topics and the awareness of aspects that you may not have been aware of, injustices for example. Although I always had a strong feeling of injustice. I think my attitude has strengthened over the years: humane, tough – but fair. This is an important part of me today.
Over the last 17 years, you have often given advice or pointed out pitfalls in terms and conditions or contracts. Do you always read the small print carefully?
Actually, yes! But there are other areas where I’m persistent – whether it’s standing up for myself or for others. When it comes to debt collection agencies, for example. There you only have to pay the actual costs and any reminder fees. All the rubbish that these companies add to their costs can be paid for. And they only stop with their demands when you say that you are making a legal proposal. Of course, it’s often not about huge amounts, but you really shouldn’t put up with what debt collection agencies do.
I always ask myself: How is the other person doing – whether human or animal – is that fair, is that just?
“Kassen Rush” and “Espresso” repeatedly show the negative effects of consumer society – cheap fashion, frequent flying, etc. How has this affected your private life?
When you do a job like this, there is a corresponding mindset somewhere. I grew up on a farm and towards the end of each year we would have gmetzget – a few animals for ourselves. When I was around 14, my sister and I decided that we would no longer eat meat. And that remains, this balancing act. I always ask myself: How is the other person doing – whether human or animal – is that fair, is that just? And that’s what consumer programs like “Kassenrutsch” and “Espresso” stand for. So something comes together that fits together well.
The interview was conducted by Oliver Fueter.