London Calling: Annette Dittert Signs Off
London Calling: Annette Dittert Signs Off
After nearly two decades of defining German television’s view of the United Kingdom, Annette Dittert, the award-winning senior correspondent, has announced she will leave the NDR and the ARD London studio at the end of this year.
This departure marks a significant transformation for the public broadcaster. Dittert, known for her sharp intellect and unmistakable storytelling, is not just leaving a job; she is concluding a chapter that saw her guide millions of German viewers through the tumultuous years of Brexit, the premiership of Boris Johnson, and the historic passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
A Legacy of Insight
Dittert’s reporting was never just about facts; it was about connection. From her houseboat on the Thames, she offered a poignant and often personal glimpse into British life through her popular video blog, “London Calling.” Her unique ability to translate the complex British psyche for a German audience earned her the title of “Political Journalist of the Year” in 2019.
NDR Program Director Ilka Steinhausen praised Dittert as a sovereign voice who explained historical upheavals with precision and flair. “She made the island not just a news topic, but a home for our viewers,” Steinhausen noted.
New Horizons
While she is stepping down from her role at NDR to embrace new challenges as an independent author and publicist, Dittert is not abandoning her adopted home. Having become a dual citizen in 2025, she will remain in London. Her focus now shifts to her upcoming book, “Dear Britain,” slated for release in Spring 2026—a personal and analytical love letter to a changing nation.
For her loyal audience, this isn’t a final goodbye, but a shift in perspective. Annette Dittert remains a pioneer of cross-cultural journalism, promising that while her platform changes, her passion for storytelling endures.
