Overview
- MDR projects a €21.2 million deficit for 2026 and has frozen €10 million as a precaution due to uncertainty over the Rundfunkbeitrag.
- BR’s 2026 plan shows a €96.0 million accounting loss, reduced to an €80.7 million cash shortfall after plan adjustments.
- MDR reports about €21 million in lost revenue in 2025 following the missing contribution increase, which it says can no longer be offset next year.
- The BR Rundfunkrat said reserves from the prior period may be used under KEF rules, while workflows will be streamlined and staff reduced.
- MDR will expand savings beyond its previously announced €160 million through 2028 by cutting some in‑house productions and prioritizing higher‑quality, dialogue‑focused content.