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Saxony Narrowly Approves Broadcast Reform Treaty, Clearing Path for ARD/ZDF Overhaul

Final enactment depends on three remaining state votes; funding changes await a constitutional ruling.

Overview

  • After a tense 30‑minute pause and an appeal by Minister President Michael Kretschmer, The Left joined CDU, SPD and the Greens to pass the treaty, with AfD and BSW voting against.
  • The vote makes Saxony the 13th Land to ratify; North Rhine–Westphalia, Lower Saxony and Brandenburg still must approve for a planned 1 December start.
  • The reform trims radio and TV niche channels, tightens rules on press‑like online content, caps costs for sports rights and top salaries, and mandates stronger digital cooperation.
  • The package addresses remit and structure, not household fees, which remain at €18.36 as broadcasters’ funding case is pending before the Federal Constitutional Court, likely into 2026.
  • Backers cast the move as necessary modernization under financial and competitive pressure, while critics warned about limits on online journalism and potential effects on youth offerings.