By Michael Sauerbier
Two weeks ago, RBB director Katrin Vernau (49) threw out her last two directors without notice. Now named the sum that brought down the station bosses.
RBB administrative director Hagen Brandstätter (64) collected almost 300,000 euros a year, almost 250,000 production manager Christoph Augenstein (59). But the Raffkes probably couldn’t resist an extra allowance.
RBB director Katrin Vernau (49) announced in the Potsdam state parliament that the station would be streamlined Photo: Michael Sauerbier
On top of that, the broadcaster had paid the former four ex-directors and the artistic director an additional 122,400 euros, revealed Vernau on Wednesday in the Brandenburg state parliament, 1,700 euros per month and head. For alleged extra work by the temporary ARD chairmanship.
For Brandstäter and Augenstein the reason for dismissal. Because all the services were already covered with their luxury salaries. Vernau did not answer whether the RBB would reclaim the allowances. And also not how many pay employees collected the ARD bonus. Company spokesman Justus Demmer is one of them.
RBB board chief Dorette König (58) also received an ARD allowance Photo: picture alliance/dpa
Even RBB supervisory board vice-chair Dorette König (58) received a monthly allowance of 200 euros for her voluntary work in the ARD half-year. For real extra work: She headed the finance commission of the ARD Committee Chairmen Conference (GVK). It is questionable, however, whether the RBB broadcasting council approved her allowance.
All “peanuts” compared to the 41 million that the new RBB boss now has to save on the scandal broadcaster. She doesn’t want layoffs. Vernau also rejects a merger with MDR or NDR, as proposed by Brandenburg’s Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke (61, SPD). Instead, she wants to “slim” hierarchy and program.
Next Wednesday, the director will reveal to her 3,500 employees exactly where she wants to make cuts. Vernau’s prognosis: “It will take two to three years before RBB is in really good shape again.“