Media Policy in Germany: Main Features and Current Issues

Abstract

The German media policy entails a broad field of actors, a dynamic, economically driven market, a diverse media landscape in terms of products, and a diverse regulatory system. The formulation of media policy itself takes place within the confines of German policy making. This includes the different mechanisms for negotiating, then enacting, and implementing regulation. However, the system, once established, is subject to continued configuration and re-configuration processes, because new governments come into power, new technical developments compel the actors to revise the system, or economic interests prompt the private media operators to launch political campaigns or legal actions to contest existing legislation. Moreover, the European Union (EU) has become another key actor in German media policy and thus influences the national legislation more than the public is aware of.