From 1 January 2027, ARD and ZDF will restructure their joint channel portfolio. As part of the implementation of the Reform State Treaty, the linear channels will be ARD Alpha, Tagesschau24 and One will be discontinued as of 31 December 2026. Instead, the public broadcasters will bundle their offerings under the new brands phoenix, neo and info.

• phoenix will bundle the joint information services of ARD and ZDF with up-to-date reporting, parliamentary and event reports as well as accompanying discussion programmes.

• neo is aimed at young adults and is intended to bring together target group-specific content.

• info serves as a linear documentary channel with programmes on education, knowledge and socially relevant topics.

The new portfolio complements existing offerings such as Arte, 3sat, KiKA and radio. The broadcasters are working closely together to maximise the reach of the programmes both linearly and digitally and to expand digital offerings for young target groups.

ZDF Director General Norbert Himmler emphasises that the switch to a joint structure combines "the best of both worlds" and is geared towards the interests of the target groups. ARD Chairman Florian Hager emphasises that the cooperation is also successful in the digital sector, such as with funk or KiKA, and will strengthen the public media landscape in the long term.

In the coming months, joint working groups from ARD and ZDF will prepare programmes, coordination processes and workflows for the new channels to ensure a smooth launch in January 2027.