As part of the "One ZDF for all" strategy process, ZDF is bundling according to own press release From 2025, ZDF's portfolio management, content planning and publication as well as communication and distribution tasks for all distribution channels will be organised in a new unit.
The areas previously responsible for this, such as the ZDF main programme, the digital channels, 3sat, the ZDFmediathek and social media, will be merged organisationally into a new directorate.
ZDF Director General Dr Norbert Himmler: "The restructuring is the biggest reform process in the company for 25 years. It is part of our long-term strategy to transform ZDF into a lean, flexible and efficient media organisation."
Centralised management of the portfolio
The centralised management of the overall offering supports key objectives of the "One ZDF for all" strategy process: the aim is to offer attractive programmes for all target groups, promote social cohesion and clearly position ZDF in a competitive environment. The reform also creates space for working on future-relevant tasks such as the increased use of AI in programme distribution, expanding the use of data in planning and new forms of distribution in the non-linear sector.
In doing so, ZDF also relies on international role models that are able to react flexibly and successfully to changes in social, media policy and market conditions by centrally managing programme planning and distribution of all playout channels.
Increased efficiency and savings in personnel costs
The new directorate will bring together the main programme planning department, the main editorial department for digital media, the ZDFneo and 3sat coordination units, parts of the main communications department and the planning units of ZDFinfo and ZDFtivi/KiKA. The new directorate thus comprises around 450 employees.
The merger will reduce management functions and make processes more efficient. In the medium term, the reform will contribute to annual savings of around 1.5 million euros in personnel costs.
With the reorganisation, ZDF is adapting to the changes in usage habits in the digital media world. The TV market is rapidly developing away from purely linear television towards a platform market in which people use moving image content in different ways.
