Broadcasting Company SWR Discontinues "Train Love Story" Series - Employee Hiring Practices Discussed
Southwest Broadcasting (SWR) has announced that it will be discontinuing the cult documentary series "Eisenbahn-Romantik" by the end of the year. This decision is part of SWR's efforts to adapt to the growing use of digital media.
Over the past ten years, "Eisenbahn-Romantik" has achieved a market share of 3.2 to 4.2 percent in the SWR broadcast area, with between 15,000 and 67,000 people watching each episode. Nationwide, between 60,000 and 270,000 people tuned in, with a market share of 1.2 to 2.5 percent.
The show, which has been a staple on SWR for decades, will not be produced after 2025 due to SWR's cost-cutting measures and focus on digital media. The editorial team for "Eisenbahn-Romantik" will be dissolved, and no new episodes will be produced in the future.
Hagen von Ortloff, who shaped the show from 1991 to 2015, regretted the discontinuation of the format by the broadcaster. Von Ortloff moderated until episode 861 and was still seen in further special editions according to SWR.
Despite the discontinuation of "Eisenbahn-Romantik", the brand will remain, with over 1000 films still available. SWR will continue to cover current rail topics in longer format programs for Das Erste and the ARD media library.
The broadcaster had already mentioned cost-cutting measures in June 2024 that would impact "Eisenbahn-Romantik". In June, SWR spoke of "significantly fewer new productions" of "Eisenbahn-Romantik" from 2026, and now it is confirmed that the show will no longer be produced.
Viewing figures for "Eisenbahn-Romantik" were rather at the lower end of the scale last year. SWR's decision to discontinue "Eisenbahn-Romantik" is a result of SWR's need to free up resources for digital media adaptation.
The spokesperson for SWR stated that resources need to be freed up, which means popular formats like "Eisenbahn-Romantik" will not be continued from 2026 onwards. The discontinuation of "Eisenbahn-Romantik" is not the only cost-cutting measure taken by SWR; it is part of a wider strategy to adapt to the changing media landscape.
One format that will continue to be broadcast on SWR is the documentary series "Mit dem Zug durch..." (ARTE). SWR will continue to cover current rail topics in longer format programs for Das Erste and the ARD media library.
With the discontinuation of "Eisenbahn-Romantik", a beloved and iconic show comes to an end. However, SWR's commitment to covering rail topics ensures that viewers will still be able to enjoy insightful and engaging programming about trains.
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