BR Director General Dr Katja Wildermuth emphasised the appreciation that BR had received in the Free State in its anniversary year – in keeping with the motto “BayeRn writes itself with BR”. This was also shown by the figures: BR reaches two thirds of the Bavarian population every day, with almost 80 per cent saying: “It’s good that BR exists!” Wildermuth emphasised the importance of programmes that strengthen social cohesion, such as campaigns with BAYERN 3 and the state fire brigade association, which have created 173 children’s fire brigades. Projects such as the BR-Radltour, which brought together over 1,000 recreational athletes and 85,500 revellers, and the Sternstunden charity campaign were also key.
For 2025, she announced a focus on the young audience. The aim is to prepare children and young people for the digital world, for example through media skills projects and the Youth Media Day, which recently attracted 6,000 participants. Young perspectives are also to become more visible in the programme, for example with the focus on “Young Bavaria”, including a 24-hour live campaign in 15 BR formats and a hands-on day for 18 to 25-year-olds.
In the 2025 federal election year, Wildermuth sees safeguarding credibility and quality journalism as crucial – especially in light of AI and fake news. She emphasised the importance of independent, regionally anchored broadcasting. The 30 BR correspondent offices should be emphasised more strongly, e.g. through “BR24 vor Ort” with regional reports and in-depth documentaries.
“Regional proximity, a clearly recognisable public service signature, generational justice, classification and background: we rely on these building blocks in our current reporting as well as in our entire programme. No Netflix, no Disney and no Amazon can do that, only BR can!” ~ Katja Wildermuth
