The North German Broadcasting Corporation (NDR) has appointed former Bild newspaper editor-in-chief Tanit Koch as the new host of the “Klar” program series, following the recent departure of Julia Ruhs. NDR announced the appointment on Friday, confirming that Koch will both moderate and contribute editorially to the program, which handles contentious societal issues. Ruhs will continue to host the segments produced by the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation (BR).
Future episodes of “Klar” will be produced alternately by NDR and BR, marking a continuation of the series after a pilot phase and evaluation. According to NDR and BR, the format explores divisive topics at the heart of public debate and solidified structures are now being developed. Juliane von Schwerin, NDR’s deputy program director, emphasized the acquisition of Koch as a “highly experienced journalist and opinionated moderator” for the program.
Koch expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating she sees it as a chance to contribute to the diversity of opinion within public service broadcasting.
The announcement of Ruhs’ departure earlier this week ignited considerable debate, with several members of the German cabinet and the AfD party publicly voicing criticism, some even questioning the future of public service broadcasting.
Ruhs, 31, had become a prominent figure known for her conservative perspective within German public television. While Koch does not identify as left-leaning, her background includes overseeing the election campaign communication for former CDU chancellor candidate Armin Laschet in 2021.