ARD chairman Kai Gniffke has spoken out in favor of increasing the broadcasting fee. “We will fight for an increase in contributions,” said the 62-year-old at the digital trade fair Republica in Berlin. Whether it comes to that is left to be seen. Gniffke did not name a height when asked. The broadcasting fee is currently EUR 18.36 per month for households and companies. The contribution period runs until the end of 2024.
The public houses of ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio recently sent their financial planning for the years after 2024 to a finance commission, which will examine and adjust the plans. This commission will then probably recommend a level of broadcasting fees next year, and the federal states have the last word on the matter. Several prime ministers have made it clear in recent weeks that they would not support an increase in contributions.
ARD boss Gniffke, who is also director of Südwestrundfunk, said that resources are needed to fulfill ARD’s task as a public broadcaster. It would be “irresponsible if I said: We’ll just throw 1,000 people out”. And: “Program always means people who do it.” With regard to the payment of the employees, Gniffke cited the price development, among other things.
At the same time, the ARD boss also emphasized: “I know how society thinks and talks about us. That’s why I said: Yes, we’re getting smaller, we’re becoming more efficient, we share more work.” It is important to raise efficiency reserves. The ARD houses are currently investigating a much stronger cooperation in the TV and radio programs in order to eliminate duplicate structures.