Funding of Public Service Media in Germany

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the current state of public service media (PSM) funding in Germany, which is primarily supported by a household levy, supplemented by advertising, sponsorship and so‐called ‘other income’. Germany is an interesting case owing to the complexities and challenges associated with funding PSM in a country with a federal structure. As such, insights into PSM funding in Germany and the debates surrounding it can benefit not only academics, but also policy makers, media professionals and others with an interest in PSM funding.