Robert Skuppin proposed as rbb's new program director!

Robert Skuppin proposed as rbb's new program director!

On October 30, 2025, Ulrike Demmer, the director of Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (rbb), made a proposal to fill the program directorate. Demmer plans to propose Robert Skuppin as the new program director. This decision was communicated to the workforce on Friday and will be voted on at a meeting of the Broadcasting Council on Wednesday, October 1st. The Broadcasting Council is the decision-making body responsible, among other things, for the election of the program director. According to legal requirements, at least two-thirds of members must vote for Skuppin's election in order for him to be appointed to the office.

Robert Skuppin currently heads Contentbox Kultur at rbb and has many years of experience in various positions within the station, including as head of programming at Radioeins. Ulrike Demmer describes Skuppin as a “courageous and creative program maker” who has a connection to rbb and the region that goes back over 30 years. She particularly emphasizes his ability to address relevant topics.

Katrin Günther's resignation and her new role

Katrin Günther, the current program director, will step down from her position on September 30, 2025. Her resignation was due to incorrect reporting about the Green Party politician Stefan Gelbhaar. After his resignation, Günther led the management on an interim basis, but was unable to remain in this role permanently. In her term of office so far, she has achieved a high level of reach for the rbb's programs, as Demmer acknowledges.

After her return to Contentbox Sport, Katrin Günther will head the digital development and strategy department as well as media research and quality management. Dirk Walsdorff will continue to be part of the team as head of sport.

The Broadcasting Council and its tasks

The Broadcasting Council plays a crucial role within the public broadcasters in Germany. It monitors compliance with the legal broadcasting mandate and ensures access to program content for various socially relevant groups. While he does not directly determine programming, he advises the intendant and has important powers such as electing and advising the intendant and approving budget and annual reports. Wikipedia describes the members of the Broadcasting Council, which consist of representatives of various interest groups, including trade unions and women's associations. This diversity is essential in order to represent different social perspectives in broadcasting.

The election of Robert Skuppin could provide new impetus for rbb's programming strategy, especially in times when the relevance and diversity of content is playing an increasingly important role for viewers.