How the Press Release the ZDF Television Council has now approved ZDF's budget for the 2025 financial year. Although the budget shows a deficit of 29 million euros, this can be offset by reserves.

In its planning, ZDF also assumes an increase in the licence fee to 18.94 euros per month - as previously recommended by the KEF. However, as political approval for a corresponding increase has not yet been granted, ARD and ZDF had announced in November a Complaint lodged with the Federal Constitutional Court. 

Despite everything, ZDF Director General Dr Norbert Himmler (pictured) takes an optimistic view of the year 2025 in his budget speech: "I am convinced that we will not only survive in a challenging environment, but will also be able to shape it - with orientation in a fragmented media world and with the power to integrate society. Our editorial teams will be supporting the formation of public opinion with a wide range of information and discussion programmes as early as the early federal elections, thus making the value of public service broadcasting directly tangible."

Himmler also refers to numerous reform processes that ZDF is implementing as part of its future strategy "One ZDF for all". For example, the biggest organisational restructuring in 25 years will start at the beginning of January with the new "Audience" directorate, in which programme planning and distribution management will be bundled. In addition, the joint streaming platform with ARD will be further expanded. According to Himmler, ZDF can build on the successes of the past year when working on future projects.

Here you can find the entire press release and further background information. 
Contact: ZDF Communications, pressedesk@zdf.de, 06131 - 70-12108

Picture: © ZDF / Tim Thiel