Observed Signal · Sep 2, 2026 · Corporate Update · Source: FUNKE Mediengruppe · Impact: 3.5/5
Chefredakteurin Bettina Steinke verlässt FUNKE nach Auf- und Ausbau der digitalen Reichweitenmarken
Bettina Steinke, editor-in-chief of FUNKE's digital boulevard and reach brands, is leaving the media group on her own request effective September 1, 2026, after eight years. She significantly shaped the development of portals DER WESTEN, Thüringen24, BERLIN LIVE, News38, and MOIN.DE, including the transformation of DER WESTEN into a supra-regional digital brand. FUNKE digital managing director Stephan Thurm thanked her for the successful build-up of the unit. Steinke joined FUNKE in 2018 from Burda Forward and hosted the podcast "SoKo Schlager" since 2025.
This marks a leadership change at FUNKE's digital reach brands after a period of growth and expansion, potentially affecting the strategic direction of these portals. The departure of a key editor-in-chief could impact the digital portfolio's editorial strategy and competitive position.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Bettina Steinke leaves FUNKE on her own request effective September 1, 2026, after eight years as editor-in-chief of digital boulevard and reach brands.
- She joined FUNKE in 2018 from Burda Forward and shaped the portals DER WESTEN, Thüringen24, BERLIN LIVE, News38, and MOIN.DE.
- MOIN.DE launched in 2020, BERLIN LIVE in 2023, and schlager.de was acquired in early 2024.
- Since 2025, she hosted the podcast "SoKo Schlager" and was a member of FUNKE's crisis team.
- Stephan Thurm, managing director of FUNKE's digital division, praised her successful development of the unit.
Connected Companies & Entities
“FUNKE Mediengruppe is the media group that Bettina Steinke is leaving; the announcement was made via its press office.”
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
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.
Neue journalistische Stimme für FUNKE im Osten: Doreen Reinhard verstärkt die Zentralredaktion als Reporterin für Ostdeutschland
FUNKE Mediengruppe announced that journalist Doreen Reinhard, 47, is joining its central editorial office as a reporter for East Germany, effective immediately. She will cover Saxony, Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania for all FUNKE regional media. Reinhard was born in Dresden, has been a freelance journalist since 2008, and won the German Reporter Award for Best Local Reportage in 2016.
Wechsel an der Spitze der Berliner Morgenpost: Anne Lena Mösken folgt als Chefredakteurin auf Peter Schink
FUNKE Mediengruppe announced on 9 September 2026 that Anne Lena Mösken will become editor-in-chief of the Berliner Morgenpost on 1 January 2027. She succeeds Peter Schink, who is leaving by mutual agreement to pursue new projects. Mösken moves from the Freie Presse in Chemnitz, where she served as deputy editor-in-chief and helped more than triple digital subscriptions.
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