Susan Link: The Versatile Voice of German Public Television
COLOGNE, 18 January 2026 – Susan Link is one of the most recognisable and respected faces on German television. As a key presenter for the national broadcaster ARD, she guides millions of viewers through the morning news on the ‘Morgenmagazin’ and hosts engaging Friday night conversations on the popular WDR talk show ‘Kölner Treff’. Her career, which began in local radio, is a testament to her journalistic skill and relatable presenting style.
From Thuringia to Nationwide Screens
Born Susan Schwarzbach on 19 November 1976 in Pößneck, Thuringia, then part of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), Link’s life was shaped by the political changes of the late 20th century. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, she moved with her mother to Wuppertal in West Germany. She pursued her interest in language, studying Germanistics at the University of Wuppertal, which laid the foundation for her media career.
Her professional journey began in 1998 with a traineeship at Radio Wuppertal, where she quickly advanced to become a presenter. A significant step came in 2002 when she joined Radio NRW, serving as a presenter and editor for nearly a decade. Her work there was critically acclaimed; in 2009, she received the LfM Radio Prize for her contribution series “Generation Deutschland – 6 Lives, One Republic”.
A Pillar of ARD’s Flagship Programmes
Link’s move to television marked her national breakthrough. She joined the team of ARD’s ‘Morgenmagazin’ in 2011, initially as a reporter before stepping into the presenter’s chair in August 2012. She has since become a fixture of the morning show, appearing alongside colleagues like Sven Lorig and Till Nassif.
Her versatility is demonstrated by her simultaneous roles across ARD’s network of regional broadcasters. From January 2017 to 2019, she co-hosted the MDR talk show ‘Riverboat’ with Kim Fisher. Since July 2017, she has co-hosted the WDR’s ‘Kölner Treff’, first alongside Bettina Böttinger and, since Böttinger’s departure in late 2023, as the sole host with co-presenter Micky Beisenherz. She has also filled in as host for major programmes like ‘hart aber fair’ and, since July 2023, has been a permanent member of the moderator team for the ‘Presseclub’.
Key Facts & Career Milestones
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Susan Link (née Schwarzbach) |
| Date & Place of Birth | 19 November 1976, Pößneck, Thuringia |
| Nationality | German |
| Profession | Television Presenter, Journalist |
| Major Programmes | ARD-Morgenmagazin (since 2011), Kölner Treff (WDR, since 2017), Presseclub (since 2023) |
| Notable Award | LfM Radio Prize (2009) |
| Personal Life | Married to TV producer Wolfgang Link; one son (born 2010); resides in Cologne |
Life Beyond the Studio
Susan Link lives in Cologne with her husband, television producer Wolfgang Link, and their son, who was born in 2010. Away from the studio lights, she is active in the podcasting world. Together with her husband, she produces the irregularly released podcast “Gin Tonic & Eierlikör”. She also co-hosts the podcast “Erzähl mir was Gutes” with comedian and author Markus Barth, showcasing her creative pursuits beyond traditional broadcasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Susan Link best known for?
Susan Link is best known as a presenter for Germany’s ARD network, specifically for co-hosting the daily ‘ARD-Morgenmagazin’ (Morning Magazine) and the weekly WDR talk show ‘Kölner Treff’.
Where did Susan Link begin her career?
She began her media career in radio. After a traineeship in 1998, she worked as a presenter for Radio Wuppertal before moving to Radio NRW in 2002, where she worked for nine years as a presenter and editor.
Is Susan Link married?
Yes, she is married to television producer Wolfgang Link. The couple have one son together and live in Cologne.
What other programmes has she presented?
Beyond her main roles, Link has presented the MDR talk show ‘Riverboat’ (2017-2019), stood in as host for ‘hart aber fair’, and moderated the documentary format ‘Der schönste Sommer meiner Kindheit’ for MDR.