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Susanne Schwarzbach takes helm as Deutschlandfunk’s new editor-in-chief

From WDR’s newsdesk to national radio: How Schwarzbach’s vision for dialogue and diversity will redefine Deutschlandfunk’s future. A career built on editorial excellence.

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In the picture we can see an article which is taken from an editorial in which there is some text and we can see the picture of a person.

Susanne Schwarzbach takes helm as Deutschlandfunk’s new editor-in-chief

Susanne Schwarzbach has been named the new editor-in-chief of Deutschlandfunk. The experienced political journalist will take over from Birgit Wentzien after a long career at Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR). Her appointment follows decades of work in news leadership and editorial roles.

Schwarzbach began her career at WDR as a trainee after studying journalism and political science in Leipzig. She later worked as a news editor before rising to head the newsdesk and the Audio Aktuell department.

Since 2013, she has held senior positions, including deputy editor-in-chief, where she shaped the direction of WDR’s cross-media newsroom. Known for her focus on dialogue and diverse perspectives, she brings a strong editorial background to her new role.

Her transition to Deutschlandfunk marks a shift from regional to national public broadcasting. The move reflects her extensive experience in political journalism and news management.

Schwarzbach’s leadership at WDR prepared her for this high-profile position. She will now oversee Deutschlandfunk’s editorial strategy and journalistic output. The change in command comes as the broadcaster continues to adapt to evolving media demands.

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