Deutsche Welle (DW) vs FUNKE Mediengruppe

Deutsche Welle boycotts White House video over media ban

Following the White House's decision to bar CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from accessing its premises, German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) announced it will cease using video and image material produced by the White House itself across its German and English language channels. DW cited concerns over press freedom, stating that excluding media based on their reporting is a disturbing signal. The broadcaster will rely exclusively on material from its own reporters and other accredited media. This decision comes as leading U.S. networks have suspended their pool coverage, reducing the availability of independent footage of presidential events. DW's move underscores its commitment to independent journalism and media pluralism.

• Deutsche Welle will stop using White House-produced video and images on its German and English channels.
• U.S. President Donald Trump barred CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from White House access.
• The White House launched its own online stream, 'Trump TV', running nonstop.

FUNKE Mediengruppe: Neue Pressemitteilungen und Personalien

Die Presseseite der FUNKE Mediengruppe zeigt mehrere neue Artikel, darunter die Ernennung von Anne-Christine Merholz zur stellvertretenden Chefredakteurin der Berliner Zentralredaktion, die Erweiterung des CHEFKOCH PLUS Rezept-Imports, die Öffnung der Programmatic-Infrastruktur yieldHub für externe Publisher, den Start des Podcasts 'Von klein auf' der WAZ, die Verstärkung der Zentralredaktion durch Doreen Reinhard, den Wechsel an der Spitze der Berliner Morgenpost, die Auszeichnung als 'Diversity-Vorreiter 2026', den Weggang von Chefredakteurin Bettina Steinke sowie das 60-jährige Jubiläum von ELTERN.

Bettina Steinke leaves Funke Mediengruppe

Bettina Steinke, editor-in-chief responsible for Funke Mediengruppe's regional digital portals, has left the company after eight years. Her departure took effect on September 1, 2026, at her own request, according to the company, as she pursues new professional challenges. Steinke joined Funke in 2018 from Burda Forward and helped build and develop the reach portals "Der Westen", "News38", and "Thüringen24", later also "moin.de" and "Berlin Live". In 2024, the portfolio was expanded with the entertainment brand "schlager.de". Steinke also developed new journalistic formats, including the podcast "SoKo Schlager", which started in 2025. Stephan Thurm, managing director of Funke's digital division, thanked her for the successful construction and continued development of the unit.

• Bettina Steinke left Funke Mediengruppe effective September 1, 2026, at her own request.
• She had been with Funke Mediengruppe since 2018, previously working at Burda Forward.
• She helped develop digital portals including Der Westen, News38, Thüringen24, moin.de, and Berlin Live.

Funke adds political pages to free weeklies

Funke Mediengruppe will add an editorial political double-page to all of its free weekly advertising papers starting Saturday, 29 August 2026. Jörg Quoos, editor‑in‑chief of Funke's central newsroom, will personally provide the political analysis and context. According to Funke, the free weeklies reach up to 4.2 million households weekly across five German federal states. The report originated on Kress.de and was published on MEEDIA with a byline from Marc Bartl on 28 August 2026.

• Funke Mediengruppe will publish a political double-page in all its free weekly advertising papers starting 29 August 2026.
• Jörg Quoos, editor‑in‑chief of Funke's central editorial office, will personally provide the political analysis for the new page.
• The free weekly papers reach up to 4.2 million households weekly in five German federal states, according to Funke.