RTL Group | Cologne, 07/01/2025

Pinar Atalay Named ‘Media Woman of the Year’

RTL journalist Pinar Atalay has been named “Media Woman of the Year” at this year’s “Horizont Awards” on Thursday evening in Berlin. Together with TV presenters Maybrit Illner and Sandra Maischberger, she received the award in the “Media” category for her “outstanding journalistic achievements in a year of global uncertainties and social tensions”. The jury particularly praised Atalay’s commitment to fact-based information and differentiated discussion. The jury explained its decision: “With a high degree of professionalism, analytical acuity and a deep sense of responsibility towards the audience, the three journalists have proven that quality journalism is alive and well and is able to create trust instead of promoting division.” At RTL, Pinar Ataly set new standards for political reporting on private television with her presentation of “RTL Direkt”. With factual analysis, a clear stance, and pointed interviews, she brings political content closer to a broad audience in an understandable and accessible way – most recently demonstrated during the German Bundestag election campaign. “We sincerely congratulate Pinar and celebrate this grandiose award with her,” said Martin Gradl, Managing Director RTL News and NTV. “In fact, her work is simply outstanding as she has impressively demonstrated in her daily work on ‘RTL Direkt’, in her talks with politicians, and most recently again in the big ‘Quadrell’ of RTL, NTV and Stern.”

Pinar Atalay said: “In this complex world, it is becoming increasingly important to scrutinize, critically probe and correctly classify. I am delighted that this journalistic work has been recognized with the Horizont Award and would like to sincerely thank the jury for their decision.” Since 2021, Pinar Atalay has been anchorwoman at RTL and presenting “RTL Direkt”, “RTL Aktuell”, as well as political specials such as the “Triell” before the 2021 Bundestag election and the “Quadrell” before the 2025 Bundestag election. Before joining RTL, she presented the main news of NDR and the ARD business journal “Plusminus”. She was also part of the ARD “Tagesthemen” team of presenters. For more than 40 years, the “Horizont Awards” have been recognizing personalities in the communications industry who lead the way with courage, vision, and innovation.