Wilhelm Wieben — German journalist, Tagesschau presenter and Low German author

Broadcasting career

Wieben worked for Radio Bremen and later joined the team of Tagesschau presenters. He read regular news programmes between 1973 and 1998, a period in which Tagesschau consolidated its position as Germany's most-watched daily television news service. His work combined live studio presentation with recorded reports and voice work, and he remained associated with broadcast journalism even after stepping back from the nightly desk.

Acting and voice work

Alongside journalism, Wieben made occasional appearances in other media and contributed his voice to cultural projects. His spoken-word contribution as a newsreader is featured in the 1980s pop song "Jeanny," where his delivery is used to create the effect of a news bulletin within the track. Such crossover work illustrated how his voice had become a recognizable element of German public life.

Writing and regional language

Wieben also wrote books in Low German (Plattdeutsch), supporting the literary and cultural presence of the language in northern Germany. His publications and readings helped draw attention to regional dialects and traditions at a time when local languages competed with standard German and mass media homogenisation.

Personal life and legacy

Born in Hennstedt, Dithmarschen, Wieben spoke openly about his life in a 1995 interview in which he came out as gay—a notable personal disclosure by a prominent media figure at that time. He died in Hamburg on 13 June 2019 at the age of 84. Colleagues and viewers remembered him for his steady on-screen manner, contributions to regional culture, and the longevity of his public career.

Notable facts

• Long-serving Tagesschau presenter (1973–1998).
• Worked as a journalist for Radio Bremen.
• Authored works in Low German and promoted regional language.
• Featured vocally in the pop song "Jeanny" as a newsreader.

For further reading and archival material, see a profile and contemporary reports: profile and career overview and a retrospective news report on his death: obituary and tributes.