The federal states are continuing to work intensively on the reform of the Interstate Media Treaty (MStV) in order to adapt the legal framework to the conditions of the digital media landscape. Under the title "Digitaler Medien-Staatsvertrag" (DMStV), a new set of rules is currently being created to make the media regulations in Germany fit for the future and implement European requirements. Following the first reform step in summer 2024, the federal states adopted key points for the further development of the treaty in October 2025.

Part 1: Implementation of European requirements

The first part of the DMStV, which was presented by the Broadcasting Commission of the federal states in June 2024, focussed primarily on the implementation of European legal acts. These include the European Media Freedom Act, the Regulation on Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising and the EU Regulation on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The aim was to harmonise the existing national regulations with European law and to clearly define responsibilities. This relates in particular to the role of the state media authorities, which are to act as supervisory authorities for certain obligations in connection with AI and political advertising in future.

The proposals of the federal states also provided for the use of AI tools in the area of media supervision to be legally outlined, as particularly sensitive fundamental rights issues are affected here. The reform should ensure that transparency, freedom of expression and data protection remain guaranteed even in an increasingly digitalised media world.

Following the publication of the initial proposals, a public consultation was held in summer 2025. Citizens, organisations and associations were able to submit comments until the end of July. These are currently being analysed and will be incorporated into further work on the draft agreement.

Part 2: Key points for safeguarding media diversity

With the second part of the DMStV that has now been presented, the federal states are continuing the reform process and expanding it to include economic and technological aspects. The key points adopted on 22 October 2025 are intended to ensure diversity of opinion, freedom of information and fair competition between traditional media providers and global digital platforms.

This includes issues such as the findability of journalistic content, maintaining refinancing options for private media and adapting to new technical developments such as AI-based summaries or recommendation systems. Cooperations between media companies are also to be facilitated in order to strengthen the competitiveness of German providers.

The key points thus address central demands of the media industry. The Association of Private Media (VAUNET) expressly welcomed the package of measures and described it as an "effective bundle for safeguarding media diversity". At the same time, the association warned that the speed of further implementation is crucial in order to avoid falling further behind in competition with large technology groups.

Outlook: Balance between regulation and innovation

With the Interstate Digital Media Treaty, the federal states are responding to far-reaching changes in the media sector that are characterised by platform economies, artificial intelligence and global information flows. While Part 1 strengthens European legal harmonisation and the role of supervision, Part 2 focuses more strongly on setting the strategic course for diversity, fairness and innovation.

The further process is likely to be characterised by intensive coordination between countries, media companies and European institutions. A concrete draft for the complete DMStV is expected in the course of 2026. The aim is to shape the legal basis in such a way that media diversity, journalistic quality and democratic discussion spaces remain sustainably safeguarded in the digital age.