Since 1990 STERN TV has been dealing with hot topics on a weekly schedule and has done so in a very individual manner, presenting up-to-date reports which cause a stir, exciting studio discussions and a critical view of scandals and affairs: e.g. Schockemöhle's "Barren-Affair" or the scandal in the Euro parliament regarding expense-account abuse. Celebrated presenter Günter Jauch interviews well-known live in the studio, including Michail Gorbachov, Roman Herzog, Henry Maske, Steffi Graf and Claudia Schiffer.

STERN TV is a highlight of the RTL program. The infotainment magazine program started the year 2001 with a market share of more than 25%. STERN TV celebrated its 11th birthday April of 2001. End of May the 500th program was broadcast.