ZDF anchor Fornoff needs to resign from his position.
Matthias Fornoff has been the top dog of the Politics and Current Events department at ZDF and presenter of the show "Politbarometer" since July 2014. As per a report, an internal probe into alleged defamation has caused his downfall.
German TV host Matthias Fornoff is stepping down from his role as head of ZDF's Politics and Current Events department early. The ZDF confirms this in response to a query from "Bild" newspaper. "Matthias Fornoff won't be leading the Politics and Current Events department as of June 1st. He'll take up a new role in the ZDF editorial office. Shakuntala Banerjee will take over department control on November 1st of this year. It's been known for a while. What's new is that until then, the deputy head of the department, Antje Pieper, will take the lead." The newspaper claims that complaints from female staff members about his actions led to this.
Three female employees of ZDF declare that Fornoff made them feel intimidated and slandered. Fornoff was stunned by these allegations, which were investigated by the HR team along with Intendant Norbert Himmler and Chief Editor Bettina Schausten.
"Fornoff's behavior may not have been legally actionable," the newspaper states, "it wasn't a traditional #MeToo case, where sexual assault and male power abuse are involved. However, the conduct of the former industry stalwart was said to be inconsistent with ZDF's values, leadership style, and how women and staff are treated at the broadcaster."
The 60-year-old presenter has taken a break since then. "Bild" speculates that Fornoff won't get another leadership position and is contemplating retirement.
Fornoff has been the boss of the Politics and Current Events department and presenter of "Politbarometer" since July 2014. He'd also hosted "heute" news for a while and served as a correspondent in ZDF's foreign studio in Washington.
Read also:
- Lifestyle 2023 from "Breathless" to cinnamon buns
- Unanimous decision: faster wolf culls possible
- New Year's Eve fireworks: What applies in other countries?
- Ban on New Year's Eve fireworks: no bangs here
Despite his resignation, Matthias Fornoff continues to explore opportunities in the entertainment sector at ZDF. The broadcaster is reportedly considering airing his past shows as a form of entertainment on ZDF's late-night schedule.
After his resignation from the Politics and Current Events department, Fornoff is rumored to be collaborating with the ZDF entertainment team for potential projects.
Source:
