ARD, ZDF and German radio have no financial worries. For current 2020 period, Commission expects a surplus of 544.5 million euros to determine financial needs of broadcasters (KEF). The reasons for projected surplus were savings, more income and higher own resources, said chairman Heinz Fischer-Heidelberger at presentation of report.

Currently, surplus is according to KEF report on ARD 502.4 million euro, ZDF 27.7 million euro and German radio 14.4 million euro. Among or things, less money had to be spent on staff than initially scheduled. Moreover, income from broadcasting contribution was higher than at beginning of current fee period, it was stated in explanatory memorandum. The public service broadcasters are also in plus of advertising – KEF expects 1.3 billion euro for current contribution period of income.

The Commission positively assessed that broadcasters had taken up KEF proposals for a more efficient it landscape. She was critically aware of major differences in cost of certain crime productions by ARD and ZDF. The KEF sees here, above all, ARD institutions demanded to pursue this.

On Monday evening, ARD reported that re were "significant differences of views" in some central reporting points. The surpluses calculated by KEF are not comprehensible. "It is astonishing that, despite our considerable austerity efforts, KEF sees such a great deal of leeway in way of generous assumptions," commented Ulrich Wilhelm, new ARD chairman, on figures. Furrmore, it is not responsibility of KEF to express its views on programming of programme. "This applies to sports reporting as well as to crime production."

Increase of contribution possible

The independent experts at KEF currently do not see any need to recommend a change in broadcasting contribution to state governments until 2020. Until n, broadcasting fee is set at 17.50 euros per household.

In its current interim report to Broadcasting Commission, KEF does not give any concrete recommendations as to how high it should be. The country bosses must decide on amount of broadcasting contribution anyway. They are not bound by KEF recommendation. Last time, KEF had proposed a reduction in contribution to 17.20 euro, but heads of State had decided 2016 to leave contribution unchanged.

Thus, state of Rhineland-Palatinate already announced that it could come to changes in contribution after 2020. However, not a reduction. It is still unclear wher contribution will remain same or if re is a "slight increase", said representative of Rhineland-Palatinate for Media, Heike Raab (SPD).

Wilhelm also does not seem to rule out this: "After twelve years without raising premium, I am already advertising at least a fair balance of price from 2021."

Date Of Update: 20 February 2018, 12:03