SRF: Tristan Brenn becomes new Editor-in-Chief TV

He succeeds Diego Yanez, who is becoming the director of Maz (Werbewoche.ch reported). «Tristan Brenn is familiar with the TV editorial department from various positions,» said SRF Director Ruedi Matter. «I am convinced that, thanks to his in-depth knowledge, he will continue to develop our news programs. The TV editorial department faces major challenges in the coming years. Tristan Brenn is the right person to tackle them.»

«Provide context, highlight connections»

«More than ever, television journalism means putting things into perspective, providing context, and highlighting connections,» Brenn said of his new role. «As editor-in-chief, I want to champion that. But we also need to be critical and challenging; we need to spark debates that the country is talking about. That’s what makes us strong and indispensable, even in the multimedia age.»

Tristan Brenn began his television career in 1993 as an intern at «Tagesschau.» The 48-year-old subsequently held various positions as an editor and producer at what was then Swiss Television, including at «Tagesschau,» «Arena,» and «Rundschau.» Between 2007 and 2010, Brenn served as editorial director of the political magazine program. At the end of 2010, the Germanist and historian took on the role of news director and deputy editor-in-chief of TV at Swiss Radio and Television (SRF). On March 1, 2014, Tristan Brenn will become the new editor-in-chief of TV and a member of the SRF executive board.

Restructuring within the Company

According to a press release, SRF is implementing organizational changes within the company in conjunction with the personnel changes. The TV Editorial Department, which is set to take a major step toward becoming a modern newsroom with the News and Sports Center project, will focus in the future on daily news programs as well as magazine, talk, and in-depth formats with a strong focus on current events. SRF is consolidating its documentaries and programming related to knowledge and education into the Culture Department. As a result, the editorial teams for Documentaries, Netz Natur, Einstein, and SRF Myschool will move from the TV Editorial Department to the Culture Department effective early April. No job cuts are planned.