How Public Service Broadcasters Fear Online Text Will Be Cut

Public Service Broadcasting in Germany

Fee-financed public service broadcasters in Germany fear that the upcoming broadcasting reform will lead to massive cuts in their online services.

The ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio have submitted a joint statement to the Bundestag's Media Committee, in which they criticize the plans of the federal and state governments. The broadcasters warn that the new rules would "massively restrict" their ability to provide independent and comprehensive information online and would thus "damage the diversity of opinion in Germany".

The ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio are calling on the Bundestag to revise the planned reforms. They are demanding that the online services of public service broadcasters be "secured" and that they be given the opportunity to "further develop" their digital offerings.

Online Services of Public Service Broadcasters

The online services of public service broadcasters are an important part of the German media landscape. They offer a wide range of information, news, and entertainment programs. The ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio are also active on social media, where they reach millions of users.

The public service broadcasters argue that their online services are essential for fulfilling their mandate to provide independent and comprehensive information. They also point out that their online offerings are subject to the same journalistic standards as their traditional radio and television programs.

Broadcasting Reform

The federal and state governments are currently working on a reform of the broadcasting landscape. The aim of the reform is to modernize the system and to make it more efficient. The plans include, among other things, the merger of ARD and ZDF and the abolition of the broadcasting fee.

Public service broadcasters fear that the planned reforms will have a negative impact on their online services. They are concerned that the merger of ARD and ZDF could lead to a concentration of power and that the abolition of the broadcasting fee could lead to financial cuts.

Concerns of Public Service Broadcasters

The ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio have expressed the following concerns about the planned broadcasting reform:

• The merger of ARD and ZDF could lead to a concentration of power and a reduction in the diversity of opinion in the media landscape.
• The abolition of the broadcasting fee could lead to financial cuts for public service broadcasters, which could also have a negative impact on their online services.
• The new rules would "massively restrict" the ability of public service broadcasters to provide independent and comprehensive information online.

Demands of Public Service Broadcasters

The ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio are calling on the Bundestag to revise the planned reforms. They are demanding that:

• The online services of public service broadcasters be "secured".
• They be given the opportunity to "further develop" their digital offerings.
• The merger of ARD and ZDF be reconsidered.
• The abolition of the broadcasting fee be reconsidered.