ARD is set to rebrand its ARD Audiothek as ARD Sounds in March 2026, marking a significant step in the public broadcaster’s digital audio strategy aimed at better reflecting changing listening habits and attracting younger audiences.
The move comes as audio consumption increasingly shifts to smartphones, smart speakers and connected car systems. With ARD Sounds, the broadcaster plans to consolidate its public-service audio output on a single platform, bringing together regional live radio, podcasts, livestreams and exclusive on-demand content. ARD says the relaunch will improve discoverability, make more efficient use of existing resources and extend the reach of its digital audio services.
“Radio and audio accompany millions of people in Germany through their everyday lives. With ARD Sounds, this will become even easier in future. We are making all our audio content accessible in one app. ARD Sounds is the ‘play button for your day’, whether you are out jogging or driving,” said Jan Weyrauch, Chair of ARD’s Audio Programme Conference.
Since its launch eight years ago, the ARD Audiothek has evolved from a largely speech-focused archive into a broader digital audio service. Under the ARD Sounds brand, this positioning will be further emphasised, with content ranging from daily news podcasts such as 11KM and 0630 to talk formats like Baborie & Rakers, documentary series including Wild Wild Web, as well as live football coverage from the Bundesliga and the Champions League.
A central element of the relaunch is the integration of more than 40 previously standalone ARD radio station apps into a single application. According to ARD, listeners will be able to access all their favourite stations and programmes in one place, supported by personalised recommendations, an enhanced audio player and options for real-time interaction with broadcasters.
The rollout will begin in March 2026 with an app update for existing ARD Audiothek users. The migration of individual radio apps will take place gradually, with guided onboarding designed to ensure a smooth transition. ARD said the platform is being developed in-house, using the same technical foundations as the ARD Mediathek to maximise synergies.
ARD Sounds will also expand cooperation with other public broadcasters. Podcasts and livestreams from Deutschlandfunk are already part of the offer, and a new partnership with ZDF is planned for the relaunch. This will add podcasts such as Lanz & Precht, Aktenzeichen XY… unvergessene Verbrechen, heute journal – der Podcast and Terra X to the platform, further broadening its public service audio portfolio.
