Table of Contents
- 1 ZDF and ARD make a decision: 21 TV channels will be switched off
- 2 ZDF and MDR change TV channels: 21 channels will soon no longer be available in HD
- 3 **How are ZDF and MDR working to ensure that viewers who are not technologically equipped to access online content have access to alternative viewing options?**
The broadcasters ZDF and MDR make a decision that affects a total of 21 TV channels. © Wedel/Kirchner-Media/Imago; MIS/Imago; Collage: RUHR24
TV fans have to prepare for a big change: the public broadcasters ZDF and MDR are cutting 21 television channels. Find out details here.
Dortmund – Drastic change in public broadcasting: The ARD broadcaster 3sat is about to go out of business after 40 years. Now we have to TV fans should be prepared for further changes affecting a total of 21 television channels. The broadcasters ZDF and MDR have announced that they will cut HD resolution in four German regions. From 2025, affected viewers will no longer be able to watch television as before.
ZDF and ARD make a decision: 21 TV channels will be switched off
From January 14, 2025, many viewers will no longer be able to receive 21 channels in HD quality. The reason for this lies in a decision by ZDF and MDR, which is part of ARD. Both broadcasters report that, according to a report, the use of DVB-T2 HD in Central Germany is only around 3 percent of TV households.
In regions without freenet TV reception, usage is even lower. Therefore, MDR and ZDF have each decided to stop broadcasting in HD at four costly station locations with a limited range. “This reduces distribution costs in the sense of an economical and economical use of broadcasting contributions,” said broadcaster ZDF.
ZDF and MDR change TV channels: 21 channels will soon no longer be available in HD
The transmitter locations Chunks, Inselsberg, Löbau and Wittenberg are affected. However, the all-clear is given for all other locations: According to ZDF, the broadcast of programs from ARD, ZDF and the private providers (freenet TV) via the remaining ten DVB-T2 HD locations in the metropolitan areas will remain unchanged. Nevertheless, the situation affects a total of 21 TV channels in the four regions mentioned:
- The first HD
- MDR SAXONY HD
- MDR SAXONY-ANHALT HD
- MDR THÜRINGEN HD
- tagesschau24 HD
- rbb Brandenburg HD
- NDR FS NDS HD
- SWR BW HD
- ONE HD
- ARTE HD
- phoenix HD
- BR Television North HD
- hr television HD
- WDR HD Cologne
- ARD-alpha HD (Internet)
- SWR BW HD (Internet)
- ZDF HD
- 3sat HD
- KiKA HD
- ZDFneo HD
- ZDFinfo HD
In the affected areas, ARD and ZDF programs can still be received via satellite and cable. Alternatively, viewers have the option of using the channels via IPTV, streaming services or as a live stream in the ARD and ZDF media libraries. Internet-capable smart TVs, streaming devices such as boxes or sticks as well as computers, tablets or smartphones are suitable for this (read more TV news at RUHR24).
**How are ZDF and MDR working to ensure that viewers who are not technologically equipped to access online content have access to alternative viewing options?**
## Interview: The Future of Terrestrial Television
**Intro:**
Welcome back to World Today News. Today, we’re diving into the recent announcement by ZDF and MDR regarding changes to terrestrial television broadcasts, impacting 21 channels in several German regions. We’re joined today by two guests: [Guest 1 Name], a media analyst, and [Guest 2 Name], a representative from a viewers’ advocacy group. Welcome both.
**Section 1: Understanding the Decision**
* **To [Guest 1]:** ZDF and MDR cite low usage of DVB-T2 HD in specific regions as the reason for this shift. What were some of the factors that might have led to this low adoption rate?
* **To [Guest 2]:** How have viewers in the affected regions reacted to this news? What are their primary concerns?
* **Open to both:** Do you think this decision adequately reflects the evolving needs and preferences of viewers, or does it prioritize cost-cutting over audience access?
**Section 2: The Impact on Viewers**
* **To [Guest 2]:** What alternatives are available to viewers in these regions who rely on terrestrial television?
* **To [Guest 1]:** How might this shift in broadcasting potentially impact viewership of certain channels, particularly those catering to specific demographics or interests?
* **Open to both:** Do you foresee this decision potentially setting a precedent for further changes in terrestrial broadcasting infrastructure?
**Section 3: Looking Ahead**
* **To [Guest 1]:** What are some potential long-term consequences of this shift towards online and digital content consumption for the future of public broadcasting?
* **To [Guest 2]:** What steps are being taken to ensure that all viewers, regardless of their location or access to technology, can continue to enjoy public broadcasting services?
* **Open to both:** How do you envision the future of television access and consumption evolving in the next 5-10 years?
**Outro:**
Thank you both for sharing your insights on this important issue. The landscape of television is constantly changing, and it’s crucial to have open discussions about these developments and their impact on viewers. To our viewers, we welcome your thoughts and encourage you to engage in the conversation online.
