Torsten Amarell has been appointed to a new leading position at SWR, where he will oversee the development of non-linear offerings and, significantly, take on the ARD Lead for the Eurovision Song Contest. This move brings an experienced program maker to the broadcaster, aiming to sharpen its diverse portfolio across generations.
Torsten Amarell appointed to key SWR role, overseeing Eurovision for ARD
Torsten Amarell is taking on a pivotal role at SWR, where he will be responsible for the further expansion of the non-linear offering portfolio, as well as the ARD lead for the Eurovision Song Contest. His new remit also includes popular SWR classics such as Verstehen Sie Spaß?, the successful format Schlager-Spaß mit Andy Borg, and Sag die Wahrheit.
Torsten Amarell has great experience when it comes to the Eurovision Song Contest, as he has served the German Head of Delegation from 2010-2015. He has been appointed as ARD’s Lead at the Eurovision Song Contest.
SWR Program Director Clemens Bratzler expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment:
“With Torsten Amarell, an experienced and well-connected program maker joins us, who knows ARD very well and has repeatedly shown how successful and relevant entertainment works across platforms. I am delighted that he will work with a strong team to further sharpen our offerings and align them with new challenges.”
Torsten Amarell himself shared his excitement about the new challenge:
From Andy Borg to the Eurovision Song Contest – SWR reaches people across generations with its entertainment offerings. What a treasure! And I get to be involved and even develop new formats for our platforms – that’s not only appealing, it’s incredibly fun, and I’m very much looking forward to my colleagues.
Amarell brings a wealth of experience to his new position, having successfully worked for several ARD broadcasters including NDR, MDR, and rbb in recent years. Most recently, at rbb, he was responsible for strategic program portfolio, innovations, and program developments. Since 2020, he served as Head of Department for Society, overseeing radio programmes like Antenne Brandenburg, rbb 88.8, and Fritz, along with offerings for young, digital target groups of rbb and funk, as well as the early evening magazine DER TAG. Prior to 2020, Amarell was Head of Editorial for Talk & Journalistic Entertainment at MDR and before that, Head of Editorial for the daily show DAS! at NDR.
