RBB Investigation Confirms Severe Journalistic Failures in Gelbhaar Case
The broadcaster's reliance on a fabricated source and systemic editorial shortcomings have led to resignations, reputational damage, and ongoing legal battles.
- A Deloitte investigation revealed that RBB's reporting on Stefan Gelbhaar relied on a fabricated source, 'Anne K.', whose identity was never verified.
- The investigation highlighted systemic issues at RBB, including a lack of investigative journalism expertise and inadequate editorial oversight.
- Chefredakteur David Biesinger and Programmdirektorin Katrin Günther resigned following the fallout, though Biesinger remains in another senior role at RBB.
- RBB has implemented reforms, including mandatory training on investigative journalism and stricter editorial processes, to prevent future errors.
- Stefan Gelbhaar has filed a €1.7 million lawsuit against RBB, and the Berlin public prosecutor is investigating Shirin Kreße for defamation related to the fabricated allegations.
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