Born in a small town in Western Germany near the Dutch border, Susanne developed an early passion for different cultures. She studied languages and literature in Cologne and Clermont-Ferrand while working for various news magazines. After internships at cultural institutions, she joined ZDF in Mainz in 1995. In 1997, Susanne became a commissioning editor and executive producer for ZDF/ARTE Aktuelles. She now oversees the daily reportage slot “Re:,” which explores Europe’s diverse viewpoints, and commissions investigative, geopolitical, and historical documentaries. Recent projects she’s commissioned include Praying for Armageddon, Total Trust, Theatre of Violence, and Politics for Sale?.