Manuela Kasper-Claridge is Deutsche Welle’s new editor-in-chief

Manuela Kasper-Claridge, former deputy editor-in-chief and head of the economics, science and environment editorial department at Deutsche Welle, is the new editor-in-chief of Germany’s international media organization. After three years in this position, Ines Pohl will become DW bureau chief in Washington.

DW Director of Programming Gerda Meuer: “I am very pleased that the excellent journalist and program manager Manuela Kasper-Claridge will set new trends as editor-in-chief. She has always kept a close eye on the successful digitization and regionalization of our programming. Together with her team, she will provide fresh impetus. Manuela Kasper-Claridge is an experienced manager, who is committed to strengthening the journalistic profile of the brand DW. Her energy and journalistic judgement will be of particular benefit to us, not only in these times when our audiences are increasingly relying on us to provide reliable information as a result of the coronavirus crisis.”

For the first time, in March, content from all channels and platforms in DW’s 30 broadcasting languages reached more than one billion viewings worldwide. The main driver of the increase is the coverage of COVID-19, but longer documentary formats are also popular.

Manuela Kasper Claridge: “It is exciting to see how DW’s services are in demand worldwide, especially in these times. As editor-in-chief, I will work together with my colleagues to continue building on the strengths of our journalistic reporting,” said Manuela Kasper-Claridge. “Digital and diverse, innovative and clear, explanatory and reliable. We want exclusive stories that stimulate debate; we want to create added value for the users in all our target regions. And we aim to achieve all this with editorial teams, who are experts for the continents and know exactly what moves and inspires people.”

Kasper-Claridge joined Deutsche Welle 28 years ago and has reported from all parts of the world. She has developed award-winning international TV and multimedia formats, including Global Ideas, Founders’ Valley, Eco Africa and Eco India.

The outgoing Editor-in-chief Ines Pohl will take over as DW bureau chief in Washington in July. Pohl previously reported from the U.S. from 2016 to 2017, primarily on the first presidential election campaign and the inauguration of Donald Trump. “From a journalistic point of view, with the upcoming presidential elections and the impact of the Corona pandemic on the U.S., this year is an enormously exciting time for the move back to Washington,” said Pohl. “I am interested in questions of democratic legitimacy and the shaping of social transitions – and my passion is human rights.”

(Source: DW press release)