Friederike von Kirchbach: The chairwoman of the rbb broadcasting council resigns

After rbb director Patricia Schlesinger (61) resigned from her position, Friederike von Kirchbach (67) is another decision-maker from the public broadcaster. In a press release, she justified her resignation as chair of the rbb broadcasting council with the words: “rbb is about to make a new start. After ten years as chair of the broadcasting council, I would like to make a contribution and make my office available. Our committee has The dismissal of Patricia Schlesinger as director cleared the way for new structures and people in rbb. I see new responsibility for everything that comes now, which is why I’m resigning.”

“The fortunes of rbb are being put into new hands. It was my responsibility to initiate this process, that’s done and I’m drawing a line,” von Kirchbach continued in her statement. The “current debate about rbb and the public service system” therefore includes taking a self-critical look at the work of the Broadcasting Council. On the other hand, what is “unacceptable” for her is “having her professional integrity as a pastor and pastor called into question”.

Allegations against Schlesinger

The resignation of Friederike von Kirchbach is another consequence of various allegations that have been made against the former rbb director Patricia Schlesinger in the past few days and weeks. Among other things, it is about questionable consulting contracts, horrendous sums for office conversions, an expensive company car with a strangely high discount or huge salary increases. Schlesinger always rejected the allegations, but resigned about two weeks ago.