The host of “Studio 2” desires to work as a freelancer and focus on her personal projects in the future.
After 31 years in various roles, Birgit Fenderl is leaving ORF to work as a freelancer. The 53-year-old will continue to host the infotainment show “Studio 2” on ORF2 until the end of the year. She declined the opportunity to continue hosting the show next year after its relaunch in order to embark on a freelance career and pursue her own projects. She has not revealed details about these projects yet. Over the years, the Viennese native and mother of 19-year-old actress Anna Fenderl has felt a growing desire to explore new opportunities and reinvent herself instead of retiring from ORF.
Youngest Presenter of “Zeit im Bild”
Fenderl studied Romance languages and political science and is fluent in Italian, English, French, and Spanish. After working on “ZiB 3”, “Report”, and the daily editions of “Zeit im Bild”, she has been hosting “Studio 2” for six years. At the age of 25, she became the youngest journalist to host a “Zeit im Bild” program. She has also hosted several royal programs on ORF, some of which lasted up to eight hours and garnered high ratings.
In addition to her television career, Fenderl has authored four books, with her most recent book titled “What Holds Us Together – Famous Personalities About Their Friendships” (Ueberreuter) being published in summer 2023.
Birgit Fenderl, the long-time presenter of “Studio 2” on ORF2, is embarking on a new chapter in her career. After 31 years at ORF, she has decided to become self-employed and pursue her own projects in the future.
Despite her departure from ORF, Fenderl will continue to host “Studio 2” until the end of the year. She is the only employed presenter on the show and could have continued after a format relaunch next year. However, she has chosen to focus on her freelance career and explore new opportunities. Fenderl has expressed a desire to reinvent herself and take on fresh challenges instead of retiring.
Youthful Beginnings and Diverse Skill Set
Birgit Fenderl’s journey in the media industry began with her studies in Romance languages and political science. She is fluent in Italian, English, French, and Spanish, showcasing her diverse linguistic abilities. At the age of 25, she made history as the youngest journalist to present a “Zeit im Bild” program.
Throughout her career, Fenderl has hosted various programs including “ZiB 3”, “Report”, and the daily editions of “Zeit im Bild”. Her six-year stint on “Studio 2” has solidified her position as a seasoned presenter with a strong audience following. Additionally, she has hosted multiple royal programs on ORF, garnering high ratings with some broadcasts lasting up to eight hours.
Aside from her broadcasting career, Fenderl is also a published author, having written four books. Her latest work, “What Holds Us Together – Famous Personalities About Their Friendships”, was released in the summer of 2023, showcasing her versatility beyond the screen.
