Ines Hoge-Lorenz, previously State Broadcasting Director of the MDR in Saxony-Anhalt, is resigning from her position and will be working in the main editorial office for information and innovation in the Leipzig program directorate from September. The MDR announced this on Friday via a press release.
The previous state radio station director in Saxony-Anhalt justified her decision by saying that she had now become aware of a mistake that she very much regrets.
“Before I took office as director of the state radio station, I failed to clearly state that my husband played a role in the Foht cause more than ten years ago,” explained Ines Hoge-Lorenz. There was a court decision on this many years ago. “Although I assumed that the court’s decision would settle the matter for my husband, I should have made this transparent to the director and the committees myself,” she admits.
With her decision, she wants to avoid that her integrity is called into question and that the MDR could be damaged. “That’s why I decided to ask the director to release me from my directorship.”
“It is with great respect and regret that I note your decision. She has played a key role in advancing digital development in MDR and played a major role in the new and further development of various formats,” said MDR director Karola Wille. “In agreement with me, Ines Hoge-Lorenz will continue her commitment to MDR in the main editorial office for information and innovation in the Leipzig program directorate and contribute her journalistic skills and many years of experience.”
Sandro Viroli will take over the provisional management of the Saxony-Anhalt state radio station, in addition to his work as director of the Saxony state radio station.
The trial against the former head of entertainment at Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk, Udo Foht, begins on September 1st, more than ten years after allegations against him became known. The allegations against the once powerful television manager relate to felt and money smuggling. The MDR then gave him notice. Foht had not commented publicly on the allegations at the time. A work process ended with a comparison.