The evolution of broadcasting in Germany: Digitization, convergence, competition

This chapter describes the status and evolution of the German radio and television broadcasting system. Germany has a rather competitive broadcasting market and is currently in a transition phase from analogue to digital transmission technology. The chapter also describes, starting from the historical roots of German broadcasting, the recent developments around the introduction of digital radio based on Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB), digital television (TV) based on Digital Video Broadcast and converged services and applications mostly based on Internet technologies. Two main effects led to the rapid evolution of telecommunications and computer technologies, which can be observed today. One is digital technology which enabled a tremendous performance growth and cost reduction even for highly complex technical functions and systems. The second is the deregulation of the relevant markets and the privatization of previously monopolistic institutions like PTTs. The organizational structure of the German TV system is similar to that of the radio broadcast system.