ARD and ZDF: That's how much the directors earn

Created: 07/30/2022, 20:44

By: Rudolf Ogiermann

Tom Buhrow is the top earner among the directors of public broadcasters.

© Guido Schiefer

The salaries of the directors of the public broadcasters ARD and ZDF have continued to rise on average, only four of the ten station bosses earn less than their predecessors.

Prices are rising, inflation in Germany in the current month of July is at least 7.5 percent, and the trade unions are vehemently demanding a corresponding wage adjustment.

The directors of the public broadcasters are not concerned that the purchasing power will fall with stagnating salaries. The salaries of most station bosses have increased in recent years, sometimes slightly, sometimes significantly, but definitely at a high level.

The front runner is still WDR director Tom Buhrow, who, according to the most recent figures published by the station network, has an annual salary of 413,000 euros, compared to 399,000 in 2017. SWR boss Kai Gniffke follows with 361,000 euros, predecessor Peter Boudgoust had earned 338,000 euros.

On the other hand, the salary of the NDR director has not increased – Joachim Knuth brings home 346,000 euros, with his predecessor Lutz Marmor it was 365,000. BR boss Katja Wildermuth even earns significantly less than her predecessor, namely 340,000 euros per year.

Ulrich Wilhelm had recently come to 403,000 euros.

There was also a significant salary cut at the top of the station in HR.

Manfred Krupp had received at least 305,000 euros, his successor Florian Hager only receives 255,000 euros.

Katja Wildermuth, director of the BR, receives significantly less salary than her predecessor Ulrich Wilhelm.

© Markus Konvalin

On the other hand, the director of the RBB, Patricia Schlesinger, who is currently in turbulence, made a big leap (we reported).

She currently collects 303,000 euros, five years ago it was 257,000 euros.

Her colleague from MDR, Karola Wille, comes to 295,000 (275,000).

Yvette Gerner, head of the small Radio Bremen, is paid 281,000 euros for her work, while her predecessor Jan Metzger had to be content with 257,000 euros.

Bottom of the ARD is Martin Grasmück, Director of Saarland Broadcasting with 245,000 euros, predecessor Thomas Kleist had drawn 257,000 euros.

The remuneration of the ZDF director has also increased, albeit only slightly.

Norbert Himmler, in office since this spring, comes to 372,000 euros.

Predecessor Thomas Bellut was 369,000 euros in 2019, two years earlier his salary was 350,000 euros.