Overview
- Germany’s MDR supervisory council approved the appointment by a 33–6 vote to head the consolidated Halle/Leipzig unit.
- Boris Lochthofen’s term begins on April 1, 2026, with interim leadership continuing until then under Torsten Peuker in Leipzig and Christina Herßebroick in Halle.
- The appointment follows last year’s unsuccessful attempt to install Jana Brandt, which led to a public recruitment process.
- Lochthofen returns to MDR after executive roles in the private sector at Teutocast, Raudio BIZ, and National German Radio.
- MDR’s merger work is underway via a joint project group, with four main editorial units planned and full integration projected to extend to 2028.