Overview
- ZDF said it intends to continue working with Jan Böhmermann and his production company in 2026 and confirmed it is in talks to extend the contract.
- Bild and Focus reported that ZDF leaders had earlier decided not to renew the deal, citing concerns about one-sided coverage, ratings and blurred lines between satire and political journalism.
- The reported change of course was linked to fears of a public backlash and accusations of political firing, with executives said to reference U.S. debates over Jimmy Kimmel after criticism from President Donald Trump.
- Stern, cited by Focus, reported that negotiations could reduce ZDF Magazin Royale’s 2026 output from roughly 33 episodes to about 20, which has not been confirmed by ZDF.
- Recent flashpoints include criticism from Jewish groups and Culture State Minister Wolfram Weimer over a planned HKW concert that was canceled, as well as the unresolved fallout from the Arne Schönbohm affair.