VBorne by a wave of indignation, the debate on the future of public service broadcasting in Germany is developing dynamics that give reason to hope for substantial reforms.
Now it is important to keep a cool head so as not to be swept away by the wave. With the experience of 20 years of broadcasting policy, I would like to help develop a feeling for what now seems sensible and feasible.
Everything is connected to everything else because all the institutions are financed from the same contribution pool of around 8.5 billion euros a year. Of the current 18.36 euros broadcasting fee in 2021, ARD (i.e. the state broadcasters) accounted for 12.78 euros or six billion in total, ZDF 4.69 or 2.1 billion euros, Deutschlandradio 54 cents or 240 million euros and the state media authorities 35 cents. Three state broadcasting corporations – WDR, SWR and NDR – each receive more than a billion a year, the BR is just under. MDR, HR and RBB form the midfield with 600 to 400 million; SR and RB receive less than 100 million euros and would not be viable without internal financial equalization.