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One last time in front of the green screen: ZDF presenter Claus Kleber in front of his last »heute journal«
Photo: Ralph Orlowski / dpa
“Well, it won't get any more than that.
2977 times.
Today for the last.
Good evening. ”With these words, ZDF anchorman Claus Kleber greeted the viewers of“ heute journal ”on Thursday evening - for the last time.
After almost 20 years and almost 3000 broadcasts, Kleber said goodbye to the ZDF news magazine.
The 66-year-old looked visibly moved and sometimes struggled with his voice when he held a self-painted cardboard sign with the number 2977 in the camera.
His last moderation ended with a long roll call.
Long farewell speech
Kleber initially drew a gloomy balance sheet: "If you figure out the news here every day, you can't help but look ahead with worry," said the journalist, who wore a dark blue suit and a burgundy tie. “The pandemic leaves a lot of suffering, but it will pass. No other. What is happening on the Ukrainian border and what could eventually happen in the Baltic States, the hard line from China. The dismantling of democracy in America that continues to eat away. And the European idea, which has lost its momentum - as well as some of ours. «
Kleber continued: “It doesn't have to be all that.
We humans have the knowledge, the technology and the historical experience to master all of this.
For the first time, our tools are as powerful as our problems.
That can be something.
But it won't work without a committed, informed public.
And that's why there have to be editorial teams, like the people behind this show, passionate professionals who can compete every morning with the sole aim of making the best show possible.
Fearless, without quota pressure and shielded from political pullers.
A great team - and it's there. "
"Good Night and Good Luck"
The moderator continued: “But that's no use if we can't convince you.
This is all a bit of a video circus if you don't take the time and effort to see what we do.
Committed and critical.
With the trust that we have to earn here every day. "
Kleber concluded: “Every now and then the noses that stand in front change.
For example now.
Gundula stays, I'm going, Christian Sievers is coming.
All good. ”He said goodbye with,“ Good Night and Good Luck and a Happy New Year.
Above all, thank you very much. "
As the last scene that the ZDF camera captured, he clapped himself with his colleague Gundula Gause.
Gause had thanked him warmly beforehand: “We will miss you and I especially.
And now I have to tell you something that you don't want to hear, but it has to be said: You are leaving, an era is coming to an end. "
col / dpa
