Von Buhrow said it needed a new mental start without the typical self-defense reflexes. Referring to the ARD joint program Das Erste and the main program of ZDF, he explained: “The first question – I think – that we have to ask ourselves is: Does Germany want to continue having two nationwide, linear television channels in parallel in the 21st century? If not, what does that mean? Should one go away entirely and the other stay? Or should they merge and keep the best of both worlds?”
The speech also dealt with the future design of the ARD regional programs and the role of orchestras, big bands and choirs. In addition, Buhrow campaigned for an open discussion about nationwide radio, which has not yet existed within the ARD.
SWR director Kai Gniffke, who will succeed Buhrow in 2023 as ARD boss, said: “I take the text as an incentive to be courageous and to make public broadcasting future-proof. Buhrow is right to challenge Netflix and Co Offer.” In order to have the resources for this, it is “right to rethink things that we have long considered untouchable, keywords radio waves, orchestras, production facilities or linear TV channels”.