New talk format The conversation: Susanne Schnabl brings a breath of fresh air!

New talk format The conversation: Susanne Schnabl brings a breath of fresh air!

On January 12, 2024, ORF2 will launch “The Conversation,” a new discussion format that emerges from the previous Sunday talk “In the Center.” The long-time presenter Susanne Schnabl (44) is following in the footsteps of Claudia Reiterer (56), who in her last broadcast asked viewers the explosive question "Are we really not allowed to say anything more? Let's talk about it!" addressed. Their farewell was pleasing with 355,000 viewers, even if the ratings fell compared to previous years. According to ORF editor-in-chief Johannes Bruckenberger, the realignment will not only be guided by ratings, but also by relevance in order to better meet audience expectations. Schnabl is particularly looking forward to the dialogue with her guests: “People mostly come to talk at the kitchen table” – a reference to the newly designed, inviting studio atmosphere.

In the first broadcast of “The Conversation,” Schnabl will receive one to four guests a week, with the focus being on an inclusive dialogue. The studio in red tones was deliberately designed to resemble a large kitchen table, which is intended to promote a friendly conversation atmosphere. This new direction is intended to break the rigid concept of its predecessor, which was also triggered by feedback from social media, where the previous show was often criticized. “We will devote ourselves to the topics fearlessly and without taboos,” announces Bruckenberger and emphasizes the intention to establish a constructive culture of debate.

A new beginning for Schnabl

After 430 broadcasts and twelve years in the “Report”, an important chapter in Schnabl’s career came to an end. In emotional closing words she said: “It was a celebration for me”. Her new appearance in “The Conversation” marks a fresh beginning: “It’s about the essentials: the conversation,” she explains at the presentation in Vienna. The changing media landscape and the challenges in the digital age are reason for a restructuring that allows both viewers and guests to participate in the culture of discussion. It remains to be seen who their first guests will be, as Schnabl points to domestic political developments. The new format starts at 10:10 p.m. with the aim of promoting a kind of lively exchange that examines challenging topics together. The reports more on this Small newspaper.