Obituary for Associate Prof. Günther Schatter

The Faculty of Media is mourning the loss of Associate Prof. Günther Schatter, who passed away on 8 November 2025. With his passing, we have lost a long-standing colleague, dedicated researcher, and influential figure in the field of Networked Media.

Günther Schatter played a crucial role in shaping the profile of Computer Science of Media and, previously, Mediensysteme at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar. His academic and scientific work was characterised by a profound interest in the technological and cultural development of media communication systems. He combined technological excellence with a keen understanding of the importance of media as tools for human communication and social participation.

In the field of Networked Media, Günther Schatter focused from an early stage on interactivity, hybridisation, mobility, and networked communication. Under his leadership, projects were developed that were often ahead of their time, from Weimar’s first internet city information systems to innovative applications in digital radio (DAB) to pioneering work in wireless hypertext services and novel data transmission methods for broadcasters. Particularly memorable was the first production of the Faculty's own FM radio programme in the summer of 1998 – a bold experiment that combined local broadcasting with the potential of the internet and made media integration feasible in the university environment.

His academic work and publications addressed the potential of digital broadcasting systems, interactive information services, and the further development of reliable media transmission technologies. His research on digital broadcasting architectures, voice control in radio systems, and networked, processor-based media systems made an international impact.

Günther Schatter’s teaching imparted fundamental skills in information, signal, and system theory, computer science, communication, and audio technology. Many students remember his ability to make complex technological concepts understandable and his enthusiasm for experimental, forward-looking media projects.

In addition to his work at the University, Prof. Schatter volunteered at the Thüringer Landesmedienanstalt (TLM) for decades. From 1997 to 2023, he was a member of the assembly, long-standing Chair of the Ausschusses für Bürgermedien as well as the technical committee. He was also a member of the executive board. Through his great dedication and foresight, he actively shaped the private broadcasting landscape in Thuringia and was a staunch advocate for the further development of the technical media infrastructure and the strengthening of community media.

With the passing of Prof. Günther Schatter, we have lost a highly respected colleague who enriched the media landscape far beyond the University. He will be remembered with gratitude for his commitment, innovative spirit, and tireless dedication to open, accessible, and technically advanced communication systems.

We will keep his memory alive.