German public broadcasters ARD and ZDF will interconnect their catch-up TV services with the first step being a cross-linking search function available from November 18, 2019.
ZDF calls for cross-linking instead of central OTT platform
Dr Thomas Bellut, general director of German public broadcaster ZDF, calls for cross-linking the content of the various catch-up and on-demand services instead of attempting to set up a central OTT platform for all German TV broadcasters.
ZDF to approach Cartel Office on OTT platform prospects
German public broadcaster ZDF wants to approach the Federal Cartel Office to find out whether the conditions for a joint OTT platform of the public broadcasters or a platform together with other broadcasters have changed.
Dr Michael Rombach to become ZDF production director
Dr Michael Rombach will become the new production director of German public broadcaster ZDF on January 1, 2019.
ARD/ZDF end cable dispute and pay carriage fees
ARD and the two major cable operators Vodafone Deutschland (formerly Kabel Deutschland) and Unitymedia have settled their dispute over carriage fees for the cable distribution of the public broadcaster’s channels. ZDF reached an agreement with Vodafone, but not with Unitymedia.
Thomas Bellut to stay ZDF director
The board of German public broadcaster ZDF has reelected ZDF’s general director Thomas Bellut for another 5-year term.