Patricia Schlesinger
rbb director resigns as ARD chairwoman
Patricia Schlesinger is no longer ARD chairwoman.
© imago images/Michael Handelmann
rbb director Patricia Schlesinger gives up her ARD chair. The current official business of the ARD is now being taken over by the WDR.
Patricia Schlesinger (61) is giving up her post as ARD chairwoman after allegations of nepotism. “The public discussion about decisions and processes in rbb that fall within my area of responsibility now also affects the interests of ARD. The management of rbb and I now see our main task in helping to clarify these allegations and focusing our attention on rbb,” said the rbb director in a statement on Thursday (4 August). The presidency within the ARD is now being handed over and thanks are due to “the other broadcasters for their willingness to allow us to take this step”.
Election for new presidency in September
West German Broadcasting (WDR) will take over the day-to-day official business of ARD. At the forthcoming ARD general meeting in Bremen in September, a new chairmanship is to be appointed, who will take office on January 1st, 2023. According to the announcement, Südwestrundfunk (SWR) has already shown its willingness to take on the task. The ARD General Assembly elects the chair for one year at a time.