Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (RBB) director Patricia Schlesinger, who was criticized and fired, is fired without warning. This decision was announced by the current chairman of the board of directors of public broadcaster ARD, Dorette König, today after a board meeting in Berlin. A week ago, Schlesinger was recalled by the Broadcasting Council – the second oversight body.
Since late June, the 61-year-old has been exposed to numerous claims of brotherhood and friendship, most notably through reports from the online outlet Business Insider. She has been president of ARD since the beginning of the year and director of RBB since 2016. She has resigned from both positions.
At the center of the scandal is the sacked director and the head of the RBB board of directors Wolf-Dieter Wolf. Both rejected the charges. Among other things, it concerns controversial consulting contracts for an RBB construction project, over agreements between the two on salary and bonuses for Schlesinger. Also commissions for her husband and former “Spiegel” journalist Gerhard Spörl at the Berlin Exhibition Center – where Wolf was also chief supervisor until recently.
The Berlin Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the three for breach of trust and acceptance of benefits. It is the presumption of innocence. An external investigation at a law firm is also ongoing. No results yet.