Observed Signal · Sep 3, 2026 · Executive Departure · Source: Meedia · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Media Market: 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.
Personnel change at a major German publisher: the departure of the editor-in-chief for digital reach portals is relevant to the media industry but has limited direct impact on advertising technology or marketing infrastructure.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- 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 expanded its entertainment portfolio with schlager.de in 2024 during her tenure.
- Steinke launched and hosted the podcast SoKo Schlager in 2025.
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