HQ Function

Serves as the central administrative, editorial, and production hub for WDR's extensive television, radio, and online operations. It coordinates content creation, broadcasting, and strategic management for the entire organization.

Notable Features:

The Cologne headquarters complex includes iconic buildings such as the 'Filmhaus,' 'Vierscheibenhaus,' and the WDR Arkaden. It houses numerous state-of-the-art studios, editorial offices, technical facilities, and archives. Its central location near the Cologne Cathedral makes it a recognizable landmark.

Work Culture:

A dynamic, creative, and mission-driven environment characterized by journalistic independence, public service values, and innovation. WDR fosters collaboration among a diverse workforce of media professionals dedicated to quality programming and technological advancement.

HQ Significance:

The Cologne headquarters is the nerve center of Germany's largest public broadcaster, pivotal for media production, regional cultural identity, and national public discourse. It symbolizes media freedom, journalistic integrity, and the importance of public service broadcasting in a democratic society.

Values Reflected in HQ: The scale, technological sophistication, and central location of the WDR headquarters reflect its commitment to comprehensive public service, journalistic excellence, cultural enrichment, regional connection, and innovation in media.

Location:

While WDR's primary mandate is to serve the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and Germany, its influence and content extend globally. WDR productions, particularly documentaries, cultural programs, and children's content (like 'Die Sendung mit der Maus'), are distributed internationally through program sales and co-productions. As part of the ARD network, WDR contributes to Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany's international broadcaster, and benefits from ARD's extensive network of foreign correspondents, providing global news coverage for its domestic audience. WDR's online services and media library (Mediathek) are also accessible to users worldwide, further broadening its international reach.

Street Address:

Appellhofplatz 1

City:

Cologne

State/Province:

North Rhine-Westphalia

Country:

Germany