Chefredakteurin

Chefredakteurin is the title for the female editor-in-chief in a German-speaking media organization. The corresponding male form is Chefredakteur. As the highest editorial authority, the Chefredakteurin is responsible for the overall editorial direction of a newspaper, magazine, or broadcast newsroom, as well as for online content and digital strategy in many outlets.

Her duties typically include setting the editorial policy and tone, deciding on major stories and the front page, approving articles and headlines, and assigning editors, reporters, and photographers. She supervises the editorial staff, oversees quality control, and ensures compliance with journalistic ethics, accuracy, transparency, and applicable laws. The role also involves resource planning, budget oversight, and representing the newsroom in internal and external settings.

Organizationally, the Chefredakteurin often reports to the publisher or to a higher-level editorial board. In many media houses she is the chair of the editorial leadership and has the final say on content decisions, while in others a managing editor handles day-to-day operations. In any case, the role requires coordination across departments, including online, print, and broadcast divisions, as well as interaction with advertising and business units.

Usage and terminology: the term is used in German-speaking countries to designate the top editorial position. In gender-inclusive language, alternatives include Chefredakteurinnen und Chefredakteure or Chefredakteurin und Chefredakteur. The title is distinct from the business side of the publisher but closely linked to it, and carries legal and professional responsibility for published material.