The article discusses the urgent need for regulatory measures to address the growing influence of digital platforms on media freedom in Germany, particularly in light of an upcoming media treaty and reforms in public broadcasters.
The article emphasizes the critical role of state media policy in Germany, noting that it is primarily dictated by the federal states and their plans for the media landscape in 2026. As digital platforms and the influence of artificial intelligence continue to grow, concerns have risen regarding the stability of public broadcasting funding and the overarching need for regulatory measures to ensure media freedom.
Key focuses of the states’ media activities this year include the draft of the second part of the Digital Media State Treaty and the implementation of the Reform State Treaty by public broadcasters. A survey conducted among the state chanceries reveals growing apprehension about the overwhelming impact of platforms and intermediaries on public opinion formation, highlighting an urgent need for legislative reforms that would enable a more secure media environment in Germany.
Proposals discussed include changes to advertising guidelines, a tightening of the related rights' regulations, contributions from digital platforms to fund the press, and stricter regulations concerning transparency and accountability in the digital space. The article advocates for a comprehensive approach to media regulation that acknowledges the new challenges posed by digital entities, asserting that these measures are vital to preserving diverse and independent media coverage in the country.
