Jan Hofer

Jan Hofer is the most recognized authority in German television news. A respected voice of calm in turbulent times, he is the trusted link between generations—bringing together information and humanity.

Jan Hofer mastered his craft step by step. For more than 30 years, he set the standard for seriousness and credibility on Tagesschau (ARD). In 2004, he became the program’s chief anchor, also overseeing the team of presenters who gave the brand its face. With his finely tuned instincts and qualities as a mentor, Jan Hofer earned the trust of multiple generations. He guided Tagesschau into the new millennium, playing a key role in its enduring success and steering the program toward the future.

Jan Hofer combines factual news with the tools of modern communication like no one else. Unlike most of his generation, he embraces social media and the internet, making himself an appealing figure for a new infotainment-savvy audience. Alongside his career at Tagesschau and RTL Direkt, he has enjoyed great success as a host and presenter—most notably for over 20 years as the face of the MDR talk show Riverboat. With style, grace, and gentlemanly poise, he guides audiences through every format, effortlessly bridging the gap to full-scale entertainment. Away from the cameras, his private passion lies in engineering—especially his fascination with classic, historic automobiles.

Beyond his media career, Jan Hofer also embraces social responsibility in his private life, seeing himself as an active member of society. He serves as an ambassador for the Deutsches Rotes Kreuz and supports the Kinderhospiz Mitteldeutschland. A devoted family man, Jan Hofer is married and lives between Hamburg and Mallorca.