RTL stories - The podcast
15 years at RTL: Andreas Greuel

In the latest episode of RTL stories – The podcast, Andreas Greuel, Head of Verification at RTL News, discusses the importance of fact-checking in journalism and the evolving challenges in the digital age.

"There's a certain vibe to this company. It's very hard to explain. I think you kind of have to feel it", says Andreas as he reflects on his career at RTL Deutschland. Starting as a trainee at news programme RTL Aktuell in 2010, Andreas has since then become a vital part of the news gathering process at RTL News RTL Deutschland's production company for news programmes. It employs around 1,300 journalists and 950 colleagues in technical units and specialist departments.

Since December 2018, Andreas has been leading the verification team at RTL News, which is home to 50 strong brands in the TV, digital, audio and print sectors, ensuring that their news coverage is accurate and reliable. "Be first, but first be right", he emphasises, highlighting the delicate balance between speed and accuracy in news reporting.

In the podcast hosted by Lisa Burke, Andreas shares insights into his journey, the unique work environment at RTL, and the critical role of fact-checking in today's fast-paced news landscape. He explains the meticulous process of verifying sources, combining traditional methods like contacting colleagues and correspondents with modern techniques using open-source intelligence tools.

In the interview, Andreas recounts gripping stories from his career, including the challenges of verifying information during the Halle terrorist attack in Germany in 2019 and the evolving threats posed by AI-generated content. He also discusses the future of fact-checking and the need for agile and dynamic approaches to tackle misinformation.

Listen to the full conversation below!

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