BLM

DLM Chair Schmiege Calls for Shield for Local Journalism

Thorsten Schmiege, president of the Bavarian State Center for New Media (BLM) and current chair of the Directors' Conference of State Media Authorities (DLM), opened the Lokalmedientage in Nuremberg on June 25, 2026, urging intensified political, industry and regulator support for local media. Citing falling advertising revenues, changing media usage and rising production costs, he proposed a ‘protective shield’ adapted to the digital era. Schmiege named actions on discoverability, cooperation, innovation and new financing models, urged entrepreneurial risk-taking in media houses, and highlighted artificial intelligence as a potential accelerator for production, distribution and economic sustainability of local journalism.

MFE Nears Control of Prosiebensat.1 in €1.8 Billion Deal

An Italian holding, Media For Europe (MFE), is close to taking a controlling stake in Prosiebensat.1 after a revised bid around €1.8 billion secured 43.57% of the German broadcaster's voting shares. The move, seen as a potential path to majority control, comes as Czech investor PPF withdraws from the bidding and agrees to divest its 15.68% stake in MFE. While the offer would give MFE effective control through a simple majority, full control still requires a 75% supermajority. The final deal result is expected on September 4. MFE frames the takeover as part of a broader plan to build a cross-border European media group capable of competing with streaming giants like Netflix, with anticipated synergies in advertising platforms and cost savings. Beintoo (a Mediaset subsidiary) and Virtual Minds (Prosiebensat.1 unit) will notably be watching potential developments. Regulators, including Germany's Bundeskartellamt and the Bavarian State Authority for New Media, are examining possible effects on editorial diversity, while critics warn of job cuts and political influence.

Amazon geht ersten Schritt Richtung lineares TV

Amazon plans to launch a linear TV offering in Germany and has applied for a broadcast license with Bavaria's regulator (BLM) to run Prime Live Sports. The initial live programming would include UEFA Champions League and would be available to Prime members via Prime Video without additional costs. License costs are estimated between 100 and 10,000 euros depending on the service's success, while on‑demand content typically does not require a license. The move marks Amazon's first step into linear TV and signals a potential shift toward Addressable-TV in Germany, a market still dominated by established players. A decision on the license was expected as early as February 11. Amazon spokesperson Michael Ostermeier confirmed the license application to Golem for Prime Live Sports in Germany, with live broadcasts anticipated from autumn 2021.