New appointment announced: Barbara Massing takes on role as Director General
Firecracker News:
Deutsche Welle, the famous German international broadcaster, has announced that Barbara Massing is set to take over as their primary dude on October 1, 2025!
Karl Jüsten, the dashing chair of their Broadcasting Council, couldn't be more stoked about it. He said, "Barbara Massing is the perfect choice to step into the big leagues. She's a top-shelf leader with keen journalistic chops and the strategic smarts necessary to keep Deutsche Welle on top in this uber-competitive global media landscape."
As the managing director for Business Administration, Massing has been a driving force behind expanding Deutsche Welle's programming and streamlining the organization. Jüsten praises her leadership style, stating that she's "exactly the type of boss Deutsche Welle needs to stand firm as a beacon of truth and freedom in a world flooded with fake news and manipulation."
Massing expressed her gratitude for the vote of confidence, promising to do her part in shaping Deutsche Welle's future. "Truthful, dependable journalism is our most powerful asset, and its significance has never been greater than it is now in this era of AI-driven deceit and propaganda," she declared on the big day.
Achim Dercks, deputy director of their Advisory Board, was all hearts about Massing's contributions, expressing his eagerness to work with her to ensure Deutsche Wille remains a strong, relevant voice providing people with accurate information in these testing geopolitical times.
Wolfram Weimer, Germany's Commissioner for Culture and the Media, couldn't agree more. He hailed Massing as an experienced manager who knows how to keep things modern. "In these times of chaos and conflict, when democracy is under siege everywhere, when authoritarianism is rife, it's crucial that there's a powerful voice of freedom. And that voice is right here at Deutsche Welle," Weimer declared powerfully.
It's worth mentioning that Barbara Massing will make history as the first woman to lead Deutsche Welle since its inception on May 3, 1953. A qualified lawyer, she joined their team in 2006 and became part of their Management Team in 2014. Before Deutsche Welle, she worked as a producer for German public broadcaster ARD and the Franco-German broadcaster Arte.
Massing has kept her sights set on digital transformation, organizational culture, and sustainability throughout her career. Her nomination was unanimously endorsed by the seven-member selection committee of their Broadcasting Council.
Peter Limbourg, the outgoing Director General, announced his retirement in September 2024 after serving six years in the position since 2013. The Director General oversees Deutsche Welle's strategic and operational activities, playing a crucial role in navigating a challenging global media landscape.
Deutsche Welle, a powerhouse of news and information, airs its services in 32 languages, reaching 320 million users weekly, with over 4,000 staff members representing 140 countries. Their primary focus is on fostering freedom, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, among other vital topics. They are champions of world trade, social justice, health education, environmental protection, technology, and innovation.
- Barbara Massing, with her expertise in technology and leadership, will lead Deutsche Welle, a renowned global media broadcaster, focusing on news, culture, and international affairs.
- As the new director general of Deutsche Welle, Massing will champion human rights, world trade, social justice, health education, environmental protection, and technology, setting a strong voice in the world.
- In the dynamic landscape of global business and finance, Deutsche Welle under Massing's leadership aspires to remain a beacon of truth, fostering freedom and democracy while combating misinformation and manipulation.
- Massing's nomination as the first female leader of Deutsche Welle since its inception in 1953 was endorsed by a unanimous seven-member selection committee, recognizing her vision for digital transformation, organizational culture, and sustainability.
- With broadcasting services in 32 languages, Deutsche Welle reaches 320 million users weekly, providing accurate information and enriching their understanding of diverse lifestyles and international news.
- Massing's previous experiences with German public broadcaster ARD and the Franco-German broadcaster Arte have given her a unique perspective onmedia and culture, allowing her to shape Deutsche Welle's future with strategic focus and journalistic integrity.
- In her new role, Massing will build on Deutsche Welle's strong foundation, working closely with key government figures, such as Commissioner Wolfram Weimer, to advance human rights, democracy, and the rule of law on the world stage.
