BLM vs FCC

BLM President Cautious on Digital Tax for Platforms

Thorsten Schmiege, President of the Bavarian media authority BLM and current Chairman of the DLM, expressed skepticism about the proposed digital tax ('Digitalabgabe') for large platforms like Google and Meta, stating it is 'in a dead end.' In an exclusive interview with MEEDIA, he emphasized that the core issue is the lack of digital sovereignty and unequal liability rules. He calls for a graded liability system and a diversity obligation for platforms, arguing that transparency alone is insufficient. Schmiege also highlighted the risk of smaller publishers being disadvantaged by exclusive deals between platforms and major media houses, and discussed the impact of AI on media regulation, including the BLM's AI competence center and the world's first AI radio approval.

• Thorsten Schmiege, BLM President and DLM Chairman, criticizes the proposed digital tax as 'in a dead end'.
• Schmiege calls for graded liability rules and diversity obligations for platforms to ensure media diversity.
• He warns that exclusive deals between platforms and major media houses could disadvantage smaller providers.

Munich Media Days: Industry's Big Challenges Discussed

The 40th Medientage München conference, held from October 21-23, 2026, brings together media, politics, and business leaders to address key industry challenges: AI's impact, platform dominance, and journalism's future. BLM President Thorsten Schmiege and Medien.Bayern CEO Stefan Sutor highlight concerns over digital sovereignty, declining journalistic visibility on social platforms (e.g., only ~1% on TikTok feeds), and funding shifts. The event features panels on TV, audio, and AI, with over 5,000 attendees. A proposed Digitaler Medien-Staatsvertrag aims to enhance discoverability of journalistic content in recommendation systems, possibly via quotas (10-20% per BLM study). Debates also cover the legal status of podcasters, AI transparency rules, and potential digital levies on large platforms to support media diversity.

• 40th Medientage München to take place October 21-23, 2026, in Munich's Werksviertel, expecting over 5,000 participants.
• BLM study finds journalistic content makes up only about 1% of average TikTok feeds.
• German states plan a new Digitaler Medien-Staatsvertrag to improve discoverability of journalistic content in social feeds and recommendation systems.

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.

Court Orders FCC to Answer Fox License Challenge

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has ordered the FCC to respond to a mandamus petition from the Media and Democracy Project (MAD), which seeks to force action on a Fox-owned TV station license renewal challenge. The petition concerns WTXF in Philadelphia, where MAD alleges Fox disseminated false election claims. The FCC's Media Bureau dismissed the complaint in 2023, but the Commission has not voted on the appeal for 20 months. MAD argues this inaction blocks judicial review. The court's directive requires the FCC to explain its handling of the case. This procedural move highlights concerns about FCC transparency and the application of character qualifications for broadcast licensees.

• The D.C. Circuit Court ordered the FCC to respond to a mandamus petition by the Media and Democracy Project.
• The petition seeks to compel FCC action on a license renewal challenge for Fox-owned WTXF in Philadelphia.
• The FCC's Media Bureau dismissed the complaint in 2023, and the Commission has not voted on the appeal for 20 months.

FCC Cuts Off 'Digital Solutions' for Violating Robocall Rules

The FCC has taken action against Digital Solutions for violating robocall rules, cutting off their services. Additionally, the FCC has announced new spectrum initiatives, proposed modernization of ultra-wideband technology rules, and updated NEPA environmental regulations.

FCC To Hold Open Commission Meeting Wednesday, September 30, 2026

The FCC news page has been updated with new headlines, including an announcement for an upcoming Open Commission Meeting on September 30, 2026, a news release about guides to stop unwanted calls and texts, and a statement on the Paramount-WBD settlement.