display

The ZDF threatens program cuts from 2022 if there is no longer a longer-term increase in the broadcasting fee.

Artistic director Thomas Bellut announced on Monday in Mainz: "We are trying everything to bridge 2021 without affecting the program, from 2022 that would change."

In December, Saxony-Anhalt blocked the increase in the radio license fee from 17.50 euros to 18.36 euros on January 1, 2021. All other federal states had spoken out in favor of the plus.

ZDF is missing around 150 million euros

display

The case is now with the Federal Constitutional Court.

Therefore, the monthly fee initially remains at 17.50 euros.

The radio license fee is the main source of income for ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio.

A commission that keeps an eye on the finances of the broadcasters had calculated a financial gap for the next few years and therefore recommended that the contribution be increased by 86 cents.

The ZDF is missing around 150 million euros annually due to the failure to increase.

This year the public broadcaster intends to counteract this with reserves, savings and postponing investments.

So the program should initially be largely spared.

display

Bellut said: "Especially in the Corona crisis, I consider it my duty to continue to support the medium-sized German producer landscape and creative people and at least not to restrict the program for as long as possible.

But it is also clear that a prolonged absence of the premium increase would have serious consequences. "

According to the broadcaster, 150 million euros would be missing in the following years.

Around 75 percent of this could only be achieved through reductions in the program.

ZDF emphasized: “This would mainly affect fictional commissioned productions with a considerable impact on the situation of the production economy and creative workers.

The result would also be noticeable cuts in the partner channels and the ZDFmediathek. "