Axel Springer WELT launches New Interview Show - Hard Talk mit Gordon Repinski

The news channel WELT is launching a new interview series titled “Hard Talk with Gordon Repinski.” In the show, Gordon Repinski interviews decision-makers from German and international politics as well as the business world, but the format breaks with conventional talk show conventions. The guest on the first episode, airing on September 24, is Matthias Miersch, leader of the SPD parliamentary group.

The concept behind the show “Hard Talk with Gordon Repinski”: In a strictly limited 25-minute timeframe, Repinski confronts his guests with contradictions, past statements, and specific decisions. When guests give evasive answers, the host presses them until the matter is clarified. A key feature of the show is the “Klartext” segment, which forces guests to take an unambiguous stance.

Gordon Repinski, International Political Anchor

“Politicians and business leaders often take the easy way out in interviews by sticking to their rehearsed talking points. My goal is to break that pattern, because the public deserves a clear and open discussion. I don’t let political platitudes slide—I call them out.”

Helge Fuhst, Editor-in-Chief of WELT

“Our goal is to lead the political discourse, rather than merely report on it. That’s why ‘Hard Talk with Gordon Repinski’ is a strong addition to the WELT Talks lineup. Through this format, we want to make his conversations accessible to a broad audience.”

“Hard Talk with Gordon Repinski” is broadcast on an ad hoc basis, featuring key figures involved in current debates. The first episode, airing on September 24 at 5:30 p.m., will feature SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch as a guest.

About Gordon Repinski

Repinski is the International Political Anchor and Chief Political Analyst for Axel Springer’s PREMIUM GROUP brands (WELT, POLITICO Germany, and BUSINESS INSIDER Germany). Until August 2026, he served as Executive Editor of POLITICO Germany and Head of the Politics Competence Center at the PREMIUM GROUP. Prior to that, he held positions including Deputy Editor-in-Chief at RND and Media Pioneer.