ZDF German Television (Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen) is Germany’s national public service media. It is run as an independent non-profit corporation under the authority of the Länder, the sixteen states that constitute the Federal Republic of Germany. ZDF is largely financed by broadcasting fees (85 percent), with advertising and sponsorship as additional sources of revenue.
The nationwide channel ZDF has been broadcasting since 1st April 1963 and remains one of the country’s leading sources of information. Today, ZDF also operates the two thematic channels ZDFneo and ZDFinfo. In partnership with other public service media, ZDF jointly operates the German channels PHOENIX and KiKA, the European channels 3sat and ARTE plus the internetonly offer funk, targeting the 14- to 29-year old with innovative programmes. The integrated video streaming platform ZDFmediathek provides on-demand viewing and live-streaming of all ZDF television channels.
ZDF has a permanent staff of 3,600 plus a similar number of freelancers. It is headquartered in Mainz, but also maintains 16 permanent domestic bureaux as well as special editorial and production facilities in Berlin. For international coverage, ZDF has foreign correspondents operating from 19 permanent bureaux worldwide.
ZDF offers full-range generalist programming with a mix of information, education, arts, entertainment and sports. Its coverage provides both a broad view on the world and a comprehensive picture of Germany. In compliance with its public service remit, ZDF produces quality programmes for all viewers in all parts of Germany without neglecting minority interests. In this way ZDF strives to offer the highest possible public service value.