DF1 vs waipu.tv

Disney+ Secures Formula E Rights; Broadcasters React

Disney+ has secured worldwide live rights to Formula E, including Germany, creating uncertainty about future free-TV broadcasts on DF1. DF1 says it is in constructive talks with Formula E. Other items: Penny DEL will remain on DF1 via sublicensing from Deutsche Telekom; ARD will feature a 13-year-old guest commentator on the Deutschland Tour; ARD and streaming service Dyn will release a six-episode handball docuseries 'Grip of Glory' from August 19; DFB.TV expanded live coverage to three Regionalligas. The sports update also covers broadcasting lineups for the Women's Basketball World Cup, RTL/Sky's Bundesliga plans, and audience figures for various sports programs.

• Disney+ has secured worldwide live rights to the Formula E racing series, including Germany.
• DF1 said it is in constructive talks with Formula E about future broadcasts; races were shown on DF1 this season.
• Penny DEL will remain on DF1 next season, enabled by sublicensing from Deutsche Telekom.

Formula E Moves to Disney+ in 2026/27

Formula E has signed a multi-year partnership to stream its races on Disney+ starting with the 2026/27 season. The agreement covers full live coverage, highlights and pre- and post-race shows. The upcoming season begins 18 December in Jeddah, includes 21 races at 13 locations and finishes 25 July 2027 in Tokyo. The move expands Disney+'s live-sports offering in Germany and coincides with Formula E entering its GEN4 era, featuring cars rated at more than 815 hp (600 kW) with roughly 0–100 km/h in 1.8 seconds.

• Formula E will be available on Disney+ beginning with the 2026/27 season.
• The multi-year deal includes full live coverage, highlights, and pre- and post-race programming.
• The 2026/27 season starts on 2026-12-18 in Jeddah, comprises 21 races at 13 locations, and concludes on 2027-07-25 in Tokyo.

Disney+ Secures Global Live Formula E Rights

Formula E and The Walt Disney Company have signed a multi-year agreement under which Disney+ will stream the electric racing series in 144 markets, with races in the United States also available on ESPN+. The deal is described as complementary to existing free-to-air and linear TV partners; Formula E leaders said the partnership will expand the series' global digital presence and reach new viewers. Formula E and Disney are also exploring additional collaboration beyond live broadcasts to create new fan experiences. The announcement raises questions about the implications for current national free-TV partners in some markets.

• The Walt Disney Company (via Disney+) signed a multi-year agreement to stream Formula E.
• Disney+ will broadcast Formula E races in 144 markets worldwide.
• In the United States, Formula E races will additionally be available on ESPN+.

Fernsehen 2030: Zuschauer wollen KI, aber die Kontrolle behalten

Aktuelle waipu.tv Umfrage zum Fernsehverhalten in 4 - 5 Jahren. Wie entwickeln sich die Einflüsse von KI auf das Entertainmentverhalten und was beschäftigt die Menschen in Deutschland schon heute.

44% of Germans Struggle to Find TV Content Despite Abundance

A representative survey commissioned by TV provider Waipu.TV, conducted in August 2026 among over a thousand Germans, reveals a widespread content discovery dilemma. 44% of respondents say they cannot always find suitable programming despite extensive offerings, and an equal share sometimes end up watching nothing after extended searching. Only 30% know immediately what to watch upon arriving home. The survey also highlights strong consumer demand for simpler content discovery: 45% want easier findability, and 35% desire all content on a single surface. A majority (59%) would welcome AI-powered content suggestions, yet only 4% would allow AI to autonomously select films or plan their TV evening. Markus Härtenstein, CEO of Exaring AG, Waipu.TV's operator, emphasizes the need for simple access to entertainment variety and for AI to aid discovery while keeping the final choice personal.

• 44% of German respondents find no suitable TV program despite large content choice.
• 44% of respondents sometimes stop watching altogether after a prolonged search.
• 45% of respondents desire easier content findability; 35% want all content on one interface.

Freenet acquires full control of waipu.tv

German mobile carrier Freenet AG is acquiring the remaining 25% stake in Exaring AG, operator of online TV platform waipu.tv, from minority shareholders for an initial €76 million, valuing the company at around €300 million. Additional performance-based earn-out payments of up to €50 million may follow based on future success. The acquisition, fully financed from liquid funds, abandons plans for a waipu.tv IPO. Freenet sees waipu.tv's IPTV offering as a strategic growth driver in the German market, including potential in programmatic advertising, and maintains its dividend outlook. Waipu.tv serves approximately two million customers and holds a 20-25% market share in German IPTV. CEO Robin Harries and CFO Ingo Arnold highlighted the strategic benefits.

• Freenet acquires remaining 25% of Exaring AG, owner of waipu.tv, for initial €76 million.
• Company valuation is about €300 million; earn-out payments up to €50 million are possible.
• Acquisition is fully financed from liquid funds.