Germany’s public broadcasters face pivotal reform vote by November deadline

A high-stakes vote could transform Germany’s public media landscape. But coalition clashes and tight deadlines threaten to derail the historic reform.

, and Administrator

2025 November 18 . 5:04 AM

1 min read

In the picture there is a newspaper front page. There are many advertisements and headlines are... — In the picture there is a newspaper front page. There are many advertisements and headlines are mentioned in the newspaper.

Lower Saxony's state parliament votes on broadcasting reform - Germany’s public broadcasters face pivotal reform vote by November deadline

Germany’s public broadcasting system is set for major changes as federal states prepare to vote on a new media treaty. The reform will reshape how ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio operate, including their digital future. But disagreements in Brandenburg and upcoming votes in Lower Saxony show the news process won’t be straightforward.

The reform hinges on approval from all 16 federal states before the end of November. If passed, the new treaty will take effect on 1 December 2025, defining the broadcasters’ core tasks and guiding their digital shift. It will also clarify how the current monthly fee of €18.36 per household is adjusted.

The reform must clear votes in all state parliaments by November to proceed. If successful, the updated treaty will set new rules for public broadcasters and their funding. The outcome will also test coalition unity in states like Brandenburg, where disagreements over media policy have already caused tension.