Interview with alumna and television presenter Sandra Rieß

Why did you choose the University of Bayreuth as your place of study?
My best friend had already studied in Bayreuth and we were eager to share an apartment. I also liked the fact that there is a central campus and not so many isolated locations like in many big cities. So, there is automatically a familiar atmosphere when everyone meets in the Rondell, especially in the summer.

Which degree program did you choose – and why?
The bachelor's program Theatre & Media. I had done internships after graduating from high school, for example in dramaturgy at the Nuremberg State Opera, but also at radio and local television stations in Nuremberg, where I come from. The mix of theatre and media studies was therefore perfect. And to be honest, I was quite proud in the end to pass the entrance exam.

At the time you already knew that…
...I would enjoy working on air. Unfortunately, I didn't make it far in the casting for a "Campus TV” presenter. But that didn't stop me trying after that!

When you think about Bayreuth today, then…
...I associate it with very positive memories of a period of study that was a good decision-making aid for my career choice.

I especially remember…
...the sensational food at Kraftraum. I recommend "Gina L" pasta or "Popeye". And for a drink "Fake Apricot" - simply mix apple and orange juice. It's very simple, but you have to figure it out first.

If you had known as a student that…
...I would eventually want to live by the sea, I would have taken the Italian course for more than one semester.

Starting my career was…
...not as difficult as we were always told it would be in the media industry. Fortunately, I was able to work at a local television station in Nuremberg while I was still studying and then do a traineeship there. It was hard work, delivering a news report every day, including research, filming, and sound recording – but for my work as a presenter, it gave me an understanding of all the people involved in creating a TV programme.

When you look back on your career, then…
...I'm grateful that I've been able to experiment and develop so much in journalism and entertainment. From the BR youth programming on3-südwild, to the preliminary round of the Eurovision Song Contest on the big stage of popular TV, to the "Bundesvision Song Contest" with Stefan Raab, to the interactive political talk show "ZDFlogin," to my programme for the last Bundestag election, "Wähl mich!" ("Vote for me!"), to hosting Rundschau on BR television and Plusminus on ARD - it's been a very varied and instructive journey so far.

What makes your profession so compelling?
That I get to learn something new almost every day. Particularly in the daily news, I find it exciting to familiarize myself with a wide variety of topics in a very short time. Often, I have to do this very quickly, because there's an interview that same day, for example.

Who have you always wanted to interview?
Banksy - simply because no one has ever interviewed him. I'd like to know who he is, and because you can tell from his artwork that he has great insight into our society - and so really has something to say.

Who would you like to swap places with for a day?
With an artist like Adele on the day she gives the first concert after coronavirus. But I think our experiences when the time comes will be overwhelming enough, even if we’re not Adele.

What do you think is totally overrated?
Punctuality down to the last minute. Of course, I make an exception for a live broadcast.

What would you like students to take away with them this interview?
That you shouldn't listen too much to people who want to give you something to take away.

If you were granted one wish for 2021, then…
...the coronavirus crisis would be over.

#Students