Instead of an increase, the broadcasting fee could fall in the next period. Saxony-Anhalt is clearly positioning itself against an increase.
Frankfurt – Currently, every household has to pay 18.36 euros per month for broadcasting fees. Many consider this amount to be excessive. However, if payment is withheld despite reminders, there is a risk of high late fees. Although an increase in fees was initially discussed, consumers could soon benefit from a fee reduction – Saxony-Anhalt is even planning to freeze the fee for two years.
| Year | Licence fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 18,36 Euro |
| 2020 | 17,05 Euro |
| 2013 | 17,98 Euro |
| 2009 | 12,22 Euro |
Source: Commission for the Assessment of the Financial Needs of Broadcasting Corporations (KEF)
Saxony-Anhalt opposes increase in broadcasting fee over the next two years
Saxony-Anhalt's Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff of the CDU adheres to the broadcasting fees, but considers them privileged, as he told the Mitteldeutsche Zeitung. He himself is a member of the board of directors of ZDF. It is important to him that consumer acceptance of public broadcasters does not continue to decline. "My proposal is therefore: For two years, the broadcasting fee will not be increased, while the Future Commission will present its proposals for reforms," Haseloff told the newspaper.
Although the main mission of public service broadcasters is to provide information, education, culture and advice, a significant proportion of the fees paid by consumers are used for entertainment and administration. An adjustment of priorities is therefore necessary. "In addition, public broadcasters sometimes have a narrow corridor for opinions. This is another reason why we need a pluralistic media system with fair opportunities for private media providers as well," the Prime Minister stressed.
All other heads of state also reject an increase in broadcasting fees from 2025
The current contribution period runs until the end of 2024. Three different payment rhythms are available for the payment of fees this year. Before the end of the current period, the Commission for the Determination of the Financial Needs of Broadcasters (KEF) must set a new broadcasting fee. Most recently, the contribution was raised by 86 cents from 17.50 euros to 18.36 euros, against which Saxony-Anhalt was the only federal state to speak. However, the other prime ministers made it clear that they consider a further increase to be unacceptable and that this should also be taken into account in the future setting.
+With the broadcasting fee, the public broadcasters are intended to ensure independent and neutral reporting.
© Marius Becker/dpa
Instead of an increase, according to the KEF boss, a reduction in the broadcasting fee is possible
According to a report by the news portal The Pioneer, WDR, the largest German state broadcaster of ARD, has applied to KEF for an increase of 1.09 euros per month. The magazine refers to internal sources of the station. Martin Detzel, the chairman of the KEF, on the other hand, expressed the possibility of a reduction in contributions in an interview with the FAZ about two weeks ago. According to preliminary estimates by the KEF, the monthly contribution could fall by 50 cents to 17.86 euros instead of the current 18.36 euros. However, it remains to be seen whether this is also in line with the KEF's final recommendation for the period from 2025 onwards. (tt)
In the past, there have been many discussions about the broadcasting fee. The CSU called for a complete suspension of the broadcasting fee in order to support low-income earners.
This article, written by the editors, used machine support. The article was carefully reviewed by editor Teresa Toth before publication.
Category list image: © Marius Becker/dpa