die medienanstalten vs WDR

Digital Radio Listening Rises: 66% Use DAB+ or Webradio

According to the 'Audio Trends 2026' study by the German media authorities (die Medienanstalten), 66% of radio listeners in Germany used digital reception paths (DAB+ or webradio) in the past four weeks, reaching a far listener circle of about 42 million people. This marks an increase from 64% in the previous year. Daily digital radio usage also grew to 42% of listeners. DAB+ remains the leading digital path, with 25 million users in four weeks, up by three percentage points. Webradio reached over 17 million users in four weeks. Household equipment is also expanding: 41% of households now own at least one DAB+ device, and over a quarter of the population has a DAB+ car radio. The study is based on a special evaluation of the ma Audio data by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Media-Analyse (agma).

• 66% of German radio listeners used DAB+ or webradio in the past four weeks (up from 64%).
• Reach: approximately 42 million people (far listener circle).
• Daily digital radio usage: 42% of listeners, accounting for nearly a quarter of total radio usage.

Gesetzesentwurf der europäischen Kommission EU KIDS Act: Kinder schützen statt Regeln stapeln

Die Medienanstalten 17.09.2026 09/2026 Für einen wirksamen Kinder- und Jugendschutz braucht es die konsequente Anwendung bestehender europäischer Vorgaben Aufsicht Jugendmedienschutz Regulierung

EU KIDS Act: Kinder schützen statt Regeln stapeln

Die Medienanstalten positionieren sich zum EU KIDS Act: Für einen wirksamen Kinder- und Jugendschutz braucht es die konsequente Anwendung bestehender europäischer Vorgaben.

ZDFneo Hits Ratings Highs with Hollywood Films

ZDFneo achieved strong television ratings on Saturday evening, driven by a lineup of Hollywood films including two 'Men in Black' movies and 'Hancock'. The channel reached a daily market share of 4.0 percent among viewers aged 14-49, outperforming Kabel Eins and RTLzwei. The movie 'Men in Black' at 20:15 drew 180,000 young viewers (4.9% market share), followed by 'Men in Black 3' with a 5.1% share. 'Hancock' later held 380,000 viewers, with 7.5% market share in the younger demographic. Earlier in the day, 'Terra X' documentaries and the science show 'Maithink X' also performed well. The 'Tatort' repeat on WDR also attracted 700,000 viewers. All data is based on AGF Videoforschung.

• ZDFneo achieved a daily market share of 4.0% among viewers aged 14-49 on Saturday.
• 'Men in Black' at 20:15 reached 180,000 young viewers (4.9% market share).
• 'Men in Black 3' followed with 5.1% market share among young viewers.

"Frankfurt Mord" has successful TV premiere on ZDF

The new ZDF crime series "Frankfurt Mord" debuted successfully on Saturday evening, attracting 4.78 million viewers and achieving a 23.5% market share among the total audience, making it the most-watched program in its time slot. The show also performed well with viewers aged 14-59, reaching a 12.4% market share, but was less popular with the younger 14-49 demographic, where it only managed a 5.9% share. In comparison, the ARD show "Verstehen Sie Spaß?" reached fewer than three million viewers despite running for more than twice as long. An old "Tatort" rerun from Münster also drew over one million viewers on WDR, while the most-watched program of the day was the "Tagesschau" news at 20:00, with 5.08 million viewers and a 27.1% market share.

• ZDF's new crime series "Frankfurt Mord" premiered on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
• "Frankfurt Mord" attracted 4.78 million viewers and a 23.5% market share in the total audience.
• The show achieved a 12.4% market share among viewers aged 14-59.

ARD and ZDF Rescue Documentaries: Ethical Concerns Raise Questions

This article analyzes a new German TV documentary series 'Heli-Retter' on ARD and ZDF, which shows real rescue operations. The series is part of a broader trend of public broadcasters airing rescue documentaries that follow emergency teams. The genre is praised for providing educational insights and fostering respect for rescue workers. However, it also raises ethical questions about voyeurism and privacy. A family is suing SWR after the series aired a rescue following their father's fatal accident without prior consent. The show blurs graphic content, and participants consent, but concerns about the line between education and sensationalism persist.

• The SWR documentary series 'Heli-Retter' airs on ARD Mediathek and Mondays at 9 PM on SWR television.
• A family is taking legal action against SWR regarding an episode showing a rescue after a fatal accident without prior consent.
• The series follows emergency teams, including helicopter rescues, with bodycam footage to provide an immersive perspective.