Observed Signal · Oct 20, 2026 · Policy Update · Source: Meedia · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Negative
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.
The head of a major German media authority questions the viability of a digital tax and calls for stricter platform regulation, signaling a potential shift in media policy that could impact the AdTech industry in Germany.
Track BLM Signals & Market Shifts in Real-Time
Polaris7 autonomous intelligence agents track regulatory filings, primary sources, executive changes, and deal flow 24/7. Create your free Explorer workspace to monitor these entities.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- 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.
- The BLM has operated an AI competence center for two years, providing open-source solutions.
- The BLM approved the world's first AI radio three years ago.
- Schmiege expresses concern about the planned relaxation of the ban on regional advertising for national broadcasters.
Connected Companies & Entities
5 Entities mapped“Thorsten Schmiege is the President of the BLM, which has set up an AI competence center.”
“Google is mentioned as one of the powerful platforms that dominate the media landscape.”
“Meta is mentioned as a major platform that benefits from the current liability privileges.”
“TikTok is mentioned as a platform that is seeking partners for information in feeds, indicating the problem is recognized.”
“The possibility of privatizing ZDF is discussed, with Schmiege questioning whether it would operate like a private media group.”
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Top German Media Regulator Opposes Teen Social‑Media Ban
Thorsten Schmiege, president of the Bavarian State Media Authority (BLM) and since early 2026 chair of both the Directors’ Conference of State Media Authorities (DLM) and the Commission for Licensing and Supervision (ZAK), told epd Medien he is against a blanket ban on social media for young people. Schmiege said authorities need effective protections for minors but warned against a categorical prohibition and urged careful legal review and balanced debate to preserve digital participation. In the same interview he commented on ProSiebenSat.1 after MFE’s majority takeover, noting programming continuity but a visible cost‑cutting (sparkurs) driven by falling linear TV advertising revenues. He described the shift of more than half of advertising spend to large tech platforms as a “huge structural problem” that increases pressure on broadcasters to both cut costs and invest for the future.
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.
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.
Receive all future signals for BLM & competitors in your briefing
Never miss material M&A deals, leadership changes, account wins, or product rollouts. Polaris7 monitors 20,000+ primary sources 24/7, delivering verified telemetry directly into your executive briefing.