Reform of public broadcasting (Reform State Treaty)

The state parliament has voted on a recommended resolution to approve the Seventh State Treaty to amend state treaties under media law. This so-called reform state treaty is intended to adapt the legal framework for public broadcasting in Germany. The reform provides for changes to several state treaties, including the Media State Treaty, the ARD State Treaty, the ZDF State Treaty, the Deutschlandradio State Treaty and the Broadcasting Financing State Treaty. The aim is, among other things, greater cooperation between public broadcasters, more transparency in budget management and cost control as well as new organizational regulations. Part of the reform also includes an adjustment to the program mandate. The number of public radio programs is to be reduced, while special interest offerings will be organized more jointly by ARD and ZDF in the future. In addition, the broadcasters' online offerings should be more closely networked and educational offerings should be made easier to find. In addition, changes will be made to the management structures of ZDF and Deutschlandradio and, for the first time, more comprehensive organizational regulations will be established for ARD. In the future, a new media council will regularly review how broadcasters fulfill their mission and how they interact with society. The main committee's recommendation for a resolution was accepted with 45 yes votes to 39 no votes. The law was also passed.

Vote breakdown