Marietta Slomka marks 25 years as host of ZDF's "heute journal"

Marietta Slomka is celebrating 25 years as the anchor of ZDF's prominent "heute journal" news program. She began her tenure on January 29, 2001, at the age of 31. Over the past quarter-century, Slomka has become known for her critical interviews and clear analysis of political events.

Throughout her career, Slomka has witnessed significant shifts in the German political landscape, including multiple chancellorships and major international crises. Her incisive interviewing style even spawned a term, "geslomkat," to describe politicians put on the spot by her pointed questions.

Marking her anniversary, Slomka reflects on both the past and the future in an interview. She cautions against romanticizing the past and voices concern over current authoritarian developments. Slomka emphasizes that we are living in "eventful times" characterized by fundamental changes.

Slomka admits that at the beginning of her career, she felt apprehensive about taking on the "heute journal" role. However, she has observed positive developments in the media industry, particularly regarding the improved standing of women, both on-screen and behind the scenes. She notes having had a female editor-in-chief and an increase in female chief editors compared to earlier times.