If you turn on the television, you can hardly avoid public broadcasting: 21 TV stations operate ARD and ZDF, from the pure news channel to Kika. But the large range of programs could soon be over. The new media state treaty changes the rules of the game for the ÖRR.

Germany affords the most expensive public service broadcaster in the world. In return for the monthly broadcasting fee of 18.36 euros, citizens receive a wide range of programs from ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio. The variety is particularly evident in the TV programme, where 21 TV stations are waiting for viewers. In the future, however, their number could be significantly lower.

New media state treaty: off for Kika, ZDFneo and Co. on linear television?

The prime ministers of the federal states have agreed on a reform of the ÖRR. The new media state treaty from July 1, 2023 to come into force, gives the broadcasters more freedom with the compulsory programs in the linear television. In the future you just have to the following programs are mandatory:

  • The first
  • ZDF
  • Third programs (WDR, NDR etc.)
  • 3 sat
  • kind

All other channels broadcasters can transfer to the Internet. These include, for example, the Children’s channel (Kika), ZDFneo or Phoenix. However, before individual TV stations disappear from linear television, the respective supervisory bodies must agree (source: daily News).

More and more streaming providers are courting viewers:

Nothing changes in the broadcasting fee

The financing of public service broadcasting is not part of the new media state treaty. Financial issues are to be dealt with later in a second reform step. For citizens it will remain at 18.36 euros per household and month for the time being – and an additional 5 euros if you want to access the new offer from ARD Plus. Most recently, WDR program director Jörg Schönenborn also proposed a merger of all ÖRR media libraries.