The chairman of ARD, Florian Hager, has defended the salaries of public broadcasting directors, acknowledging public sensitivity surrounding the expenditure. Hager, who also serves as director of the Hessian Broadcasting Corporation, addressed the issue in an interview with “Die Zeit”. He argued that even a move to unpaid, voluntary service for directors would not substantially reduce the overall broadcasting contribution levied on citizens.
Hager’s comments come in response to criticism suggesting that expenses like retirement packages for former directors are eroding public trust in the publicly funded broadcasting system. He stated he accepts that his predecessors were compensated at a higher rate and recognized that past decisions continue to impact the perception of the organization. He added that the current leadership has learned from these situations and implemented new guidelines regarding executive salaries and oversight bodies.
Responding to proposals for restructuring the existing network of regional broadcasting organizations, Hager advocated for increased collaboration rather than dissolution. He emphasized that further program cuts should be the last resort, prioritizing a model that strengthens the current ARD structure through shared resources and initiatives.
