May 14, 2025
In a move that has stirred conversation across Germany, well-known news anchor Constantin Schreiber has announced his decision to step down from his role on the flagship news broadcast “Tagesschau”. His final 8 PM appearance will air on May 25, 2025, marking the end of a significant chapter in German public broadcasting.
But what led to this decision? What legacy does Schreiber leave behind? And what does this say about journalism in today’s climate? Let’s break it down.
🧑💼 Who Is Constantin Schreiber?
Constantin Schreiber, born in 1979 in Cuxhaven, Germany, is one of the most prominent figures in German journalism. After studying law, he pursued a journalism career with stints in the Middle East as a correspondent for The Daily Star (Beirut) and Deutsche Welle in Dubai.
From 2009 to 2011, he worked as a media advisor for Germany’s Federal Foreign Office. His career with ARD-aktuell began in 2017, and by 2021, he was anchoring the country’s most-watched news program: the 8 PM Tagesschau.
Aside from his broadcast career, Schreiber is also a published author. His works such as “Inside Islam” and “Die Kandidatin” have generated public debate around religion, integration, and free speech in Germany.
❗ Why Is He Leaving?
According to the official announcement by NDR, Schreiber is leaving on his own request to pursue more in-depth journalistic work. In his own words:
“It has been a great honor to present the Tagesschau. After eight and a half years in the ARD-aktuell studio, I would now like to return to more content-driven journalism.”
Editor-in-chief Marcus Bornheim noted that the team had been informed months in advance and respects Schreiber’s decision while acknowledging the gap it will create.
🔥 Public Reactions and Controversies
Schreiber has not been without controversy. His book “Inside Islam” and the accompanying Mosque Report drew significant backlash and sparked discussions on Islamophobia and media ethics.
In 2023, while attending an event in Jena, Schreiber was physically attacked with a cream pie by activists. The protest was in response to his work on Islam, with critics accusing him of fueling stereotypes. This incident went viral and reignited debate around freedom of expression vs. perceived hate speech.
Following the attack, Schreiber publicly stated that he would no longer comment on Islam-related topics, citing concern for his family’s safety:
“I don’t want that kind of negativity in my life anymore.”
📺 His Impact on the “Tagesschau”
Schreiber brought both professionalism and a modern sensibility to the traditional Tagesschau format. One subtle yet impactful change he made was adjusting the closing line from the standard:
“Ich wünsche Ihnen einen schönen Abend” (“I wish you a nice evening”)
to
“Ich wünsche Ihnen einen guten Abend” (“I wish you a good evening”)
The change reflected his desire to match the tone of serious news with appropriate delivery—something that sparked interest among viewers and media critics alike.
🔮 What’s Next for Schreiber?
Although he’s leaving the news desk, Schreiber’s future remains active in journalism. Given his reputation for investigative and bold storytelling, it’s likely he will return with new books, reports, or even documentaries.
His departure raises broader questions about the state of journalism in Germany, particularly around safety for journalists, public discourse, and how media figures are treated in polarized times.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Constantin Schreiber’s decision to leave the “Tagesschau” isn’t just a professional transition—it reflects deeper challenges within modern journalism: from freedom of speech to public accountability and personal safety.
His contributions to German media have left a strong legacy, and his next chapter is bound to draw attention from media watchers, critics, and fans
