Norbert Himmler has secured a second term as the director of ZDF after being re-elected by the broadcaster’s council with a majority vote of 48 out of 53. This election took place in a single round, with three votes against and two abstentions, and there was no opposing candidate. Himmler expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and acknowledged the support he received during his first term.

The election also came amid discussions surrounding an incident involving a KI-generated fake video, which has raised significant concerns. Himmler defended his decision to dismiss studio head Nicola Albrecht in New York, stating it was a difficult but necessary measure in light of the circumstances. He indicated that further employment-related consequences were under consideration, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

In response to the controversy, ZDF announced that it will implement extensive measures to enhance its oversight and protocols regarding the use of AI technologies in media production. This implies a commitment to uphold journalistic integrity and prevent similar issues from arising in the future, reflecting wider discussions in the media industry about the ethical use of technology.