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ARD and ZDF are bundling their joint programs and introducing three linear channels. The channels ARD alpha, Tagesschau24 and One are to be switched off on December 31, 2026, as the broadcasters announced.
The basis is the Reform State Treaty, which provides for a reduction in linear offerings and greater cooperation between public broadcasters.
In the future, ARD and ZDF will concentrate on three jointly organized special offers under new brand names: Phoenix as an information offer, Neo as a program for young adults and Info as a documentary channel. The offers are intended to bundle information, education, documentation and content for younger target groups. At the same time, the broadcasters are planning to expand their digital collaboration.
Broadcasting reform also provides for more audience participation
In the announcement, ZDF director Norbert Himmler spoke of a constructive and future-oriented collaboration between the two houses. ARD chairman Florian Hager referred to existing joint offerings such as Funk or KiKA, which showed “what ARD and ZDF can achieve if they address specific target groups together, especially in digital.” This will sustainably strengthen the public service offering.
The reform of the State Broadcasting Treaty came into force on December 1, 2025. In addition to the dismantling of duplicate structures and individual special interest programs, the reform also stipulates that ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio should pay more attention to the involvement of viewers.
