The criminal trial against former Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg Intendantin Patricia Schlesinger opened on November 10, 2026, bringing unprecedented charges of breach of trust to the German media landscape.
Schlesinger faces a potential prison sentence of up to ten years if convicted. The Berlin General Prosecutor’s Office targeted Schlesinger alongside three other defendants, as reported by Bild and rbb24: 82-year-old Administrative Board Chairman Wolf-Dieter W., 54-year-old Chief Legal Officer Susann L., and 67-year-old Administrative Director Hagen B.
Executives Bypassed Control Committees to Receive Unlawful Bonuses
The indictment details a controversial compensation system operating between 2019 and 2022 that bypassed control committees to distribute executive special payments. More than 933,000 euros flowed in bonuses, with Schlesinger allegedly collecting approximately 224,000 euros for herself.
Investigators also scrutinized monthly 1,700-euro “ARD allowances” granted to multiple executives after Schlesinger assumed the ARD chairmanship in 2022. Prosecutors argue these payments lacked any legal basis.
Schlesinger hosted ten dinners at her Berlin apartment featuring luxury catering and champagne, expensing them to the broadcaster as official business. Guests interviewed during the probe characterized the gatherings as private celebrations.
Travel Claims and Severance Payouts
Another focal point involves a London trip Schlesinger took with her husband, for which she submitted roughly 1,650 euros in travel expenses. She justified the trip as contact maintenance following Brexit.
The proceedings also examine the financial arrangements surrounding former Editor-in-Chief Christoph Singelnstein, 71. After his contract was extended and he was prematurely released from duties, monthly pension payments exceeding 8,000 euros continued alongside roughly 6,300 euros in consulting fees.
Prosecutors estimate the financial damage in Singelnstein’s matter at approximately 662,000 euros. All defendants, including Schlesinger, vehemently deny the allegations.
Defense attorney Oliver Sahan stated that they intend to “fully invalidate” the accusations.
The presumption of innocence applies to all participants until a final verdict is reached.
