Chefredakteur

Chefredakteur is the title for the chief editor of a newspaper, magazine, or online publication in German-speaking countries. The role denotes the top editorial leader who is responsible for the publication’s editorial content, journalistic standards, and overall editorial direction.

Key duties include setting and upholding the editorial policy, approving articles and headlines, and ensuring consistency with the publication’s stated line and ethical guidelines. The Chefredakteur oversees the newsroom, assigns responsibilities to editors and journalists, and makes high-level decisions about reporting priorities, front-page treatment, and the handling of sensitive or controversial topics. He or she also represents the newsroom to owners, publishers, sponsors, and external stakeholders, and may be involved in crisis management and strategic planning. In many organizations, the editor-in-chief has a say in budget decisions related to the editorial department and personnel matters such as hiring and staffing.

Organizationally, the Chefredakteur is often distinct from the publisher (Herausgeber or Verleger), with the publisher owning the publication and setting business strategy. The editor-in-chief is usually responsible for editorial quality and independence within that structure. In some outlets, the editor-in-chief may be appointed by the publisher or by a supervisory board, and in others, more autonomous arrangements exist, including shared or rotating leadership models. The role is common across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with minor national variations in titles and exact powers.