123live

123live is a German television channel operating in the teleshopping and live-shopping format. The primary language of broadcasting is German. The company was founded in 2004, and its headquarters are located in Grünwald, near Munich. At the end of 2024, the channel underwent a rebranding, changing its name to 123.live, which reflects the transition from classic television to a multimedia platform with an emphasis on interactive real-time sales.

On air, 123live features live broadcasts where presenters showcase a wide range of products, including fashion clothing and accessories, home goods, electronics, and cosmetics. The key feature of the channel is interactivity: viewers can participate in real-time auctions, ask questions to the presenters, and instantly place orders through the website or mobile application. In addition to the main 123.tv channel, the company is developing digital directions such as 123.livestyle and 123.secretsale, which offer thematic content and exclusive offers.

In April 2025, 123live made a strategic decision to abandon traditional broadcasting and focus entirely on digital platforms and online television. Viewers can watch online the live broadcast of 123live through the official website and mobile app. Online television of 123live is available on any device, from smartphones to Smart TVs, allowing shopping from anywhere in the world. The channel continues to evolve, adapting to the habits of modern audiences who prefer interactive and mobile shopping over passive TV viewing.

123live strives to be not just a sales channel, but an entertainment platform where shopping becomes an engaging experience. The mission of the channel is to combine quality products, professional presenters, and modern technology, creating a new generation of home shopping. Thanks to its focus on digital transformation, 123live provides the opportunity to watch online live broadcasts at any time, remaining one of the leaders in the live-commerce segment in Germany.

ZDF

ZDF (Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen) is a German public service television channel operating in the generalist broadcasting format. The primary language of broadcasting is German. The channel was founded on April 1, 1963, following a legal dispute between the German federal government and the federal states, with the states ultimately establishing ZDF as an independent public broadcaster based in Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate . The channel was initially based in Eschborn and Wiesbaden before moving to Mainz-Lerchenberg in 1974 . ZDF is financed primarily through the German broadcast license fee, with a smaller portion coming from advertising revenues . The channel is headed by Director-General Norbert Himmler, who has led ZDF since March 2022 . ZDF is the largest television network in Europe and consistently holds the highest audience share among German broadcasters, with a 14.6 percent market share in 2023 .

On air, ZDF features a wide range of programming, including news, political coverage, current affairs, documentaries, entertainment shows, music programming, sports coverage, children's content, and cultural programming . The flagship news program is heute, which airs daily at 7:00 pm, followed by the in-depth heute journal at 9:45 pm . The channel also produces heute plus, a late-night news update. The main sports program is das aktuelle sportstudio, a long-running Saturday evening broadcast covering domestic and international sports, with a strong focus on football, including Bundesliga highlights . During summer months, the channel broadcasts ZDF Fernsehgarten, a live Sunday morning music and entertainment show.

Documentary programming is one of ZDF's main strengths . The channel airs Terra X, a flagship documentary series occupying the Sunday evening 7:30 pm slot, covering nature, science, history, and archaeology with high-quality production values including computer animation and dramatic reenactments . ZDFzeit airs on Tuesdays at 8:15 pm, offering journalistic documentary coverage of current political and social topics comparable to major print media cover stories . The channel also produces 37 Grad, a documentary series focusing on individuals and exploring social and psychological themes in a personal, emotional manner . Historical documentaries covering 20th-century European and international events are also a regular feature of the schedule.

Entertainment and comedy programming is another significant part of ZDF's offerings . The heute-show is the channel's flagship political satire format, airing on Friday evenings, featuring comedic commentary on current political events. Following it is ZDF Magazin Royale, a late-night satire program hosted by Jan Böhmermann . Die Anstalt is a cabaret format airing on Tuesday nights. The channel also produces major evening entertainment shows such as the Giovanni Zarrella Show, a Saturday evening event featuring music and celebrity guests . Factual entertainment formats include Bares für Rares, a popular daily show where antiques are appraised and sold, and Die Küchenschlacht, a cooking competition . Children's programming includes the iconic Mainzelmännchen, animated mascots that have appeared between programs since the channel's founding in 1963 .

Music and cultural programming includes classical concerts, opera and operetta performances, and the annual OPUS Klassik gala, which honors outstanding achievements in classical music . The channel broadcasts advent concerts, New Year's concerts, and special events featuring world-renowned artists such as Anna Netrebko and Jonas Kaufmann . ZDF also produces theater films, adapting classics of world literature and contemporary drama, often in cooperation with ARTE . The channel is a partner in several joint venture channels, including 3sat (with ORF, SRG, and ARD), Phoenix (with ARD), ARTE (with ARD and France Télévisions), and KiKA (children's channel with ARD) .

ZDF is available throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and parts of Europe via digital terrestrial television (DVB-T2 HD), cable networks (DVB-C), satellite (Astra at 19.2 degrees east, DVB-S2), and IPTV platforms . The channel broadcasts in high definition, with the standard-definition feed gradually being phased out. Viewers can watch online the live broadcast of ZDF through the official ZDF website and the ZDFmediathek mobile application, which also offers a 24-hour live stream, on-demand access to programs, and an extensive archive of documentaries, series, and news segments . ZDF also produces content for younger audiences through funk, a digital content network developed in cooperation with ARD, which distributes programs exclusively through YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and its own website and app .

ZDF strives to fulfill its public service mandate as defined by German interstate broadcasting treaties, providing comprehensive coverage of information, education, culture, and entertainment to the German population . The mission of the channel is to offer a balanced, diverse, and independent program that reflects a wide range of interests while maintaining high quality standards . Under the strategic vision A ZDF for Everyone, Director-General Norbert Himmler has identified six key priorities: strengthening societal acceptance, carving out a clear position in the competitive landscape, developing a forward-looking distribution strategy, strengthening partnerships in global competition, promoting ZDF as a great place to work, and managing ZDF as a modern media company . The channel is governed by two central bodies: the ZDF Television Council, consisting of 60 members representing socially relevant groups including churches, trade unions, and non-governmental organizations, and the ZDF Board of Directors, which oversees management and financial matters . Thanks to modern digital platforms, ZDF provides the opportunity to watch online the live broadcast on any device - from smartphones to Smart TVs - ensuring that German-speaking audiences across Europe and around the world can access its trusted news coverage, documentaries, and entertainment programming wherever they are.

Sonnenklar TV

sonnenklar.TV is a German free-to-air television channel operating in the travel shopping and infotainment format . The primary language of broadcasting is German. The channel was launched on May 15, 2002, and is based in Munich, Bavaria . Originally starting as a weekly travel magazine, sonnenklar.TV has evolved over 25 years into Europe's largest travel shopping channel, operating 24 hours a day and presenting up to 90 travel products per week . The channel is owned and operated by Euvia Travel GmbH and has achieved a brand recognition of over 80 percent among the German population, reaching approximately 2.08 million viewers daily . The channel's slogan is Viel. Mehr. Urlaub (Much. More. Vacation).

On air, sonnenklar.TV features continuous live presentations where hosts showcase a wide range of travel products and vacation packages. The channel's programming includes Pauschalreisen (package tours), Rundreisen (round trips), Städtereisen (city breaks), Event- und Musicalreisen (event and musical trips), Wellness- und Kurreisen (wellness and spa trips), Kreuzfahrten (cruises), Selbstfahrerreisen (self-drive tours), Skireisen (ski trips), Sprachreisen (language travel), and Last-Minute-Reisen (last-minute deals) . Each hour, approximately eight travel destinations are presented, with hosts explaining accommodations, meal plans, services, and special offers in detail . The programming emphasizes emotional storytelling and high-quality production, with the channel having transformed from a purely price-focused shopping channel to an infotainment channel that inspires viewers through beautiful imagery and engaging narratives .

Beyond standard travel presentations, sonnenklar.TV produces a variety of special entertainment formats that blend travel content with celebrity culture and events. The channel produces Promis im Urlaubsparadies (Celebrities in Vacation Paradise), a format featuring well-known personalities sharing their travel experiences, as well as a cooking show that combines culinary content with vacation themes . The channel also organizes and broadcasts major live events, including the Goldene Sonne (Golden Sun) awards gala and Schlagerfestival (Schlager Festival) events in destinations such as El Gouna, Egypt, featuring popular German artists including Stefan Mross, Claudia Jung, Mickie Krause, and Peter Wackel . In April 2026, the channel aired a special 25th anniversary broadcast celebrating its evolution and milestones .

sonnenklar.TV is available throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland via satellite on the Astra system at 19.2 degrees east, as well as on cable networks and IPTV platforms . Since August 2025, the channel has been available on waipu.tv, a leading German IPTV platform with over two million paying subscribers, offering 60 hours of live programming per week at no additional cost through the platform's free package . Viewers can watch online the live broadcast of sonnenklar.TV through the official sonnenklar.TV website and via the channel's own streaming service, sonnenklar.TV+, which launched in November 2024 as a Smart TV application available on Samsung Tizen, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Google TV, LG webOS, and HbbTV platforms . Online television of sonnenklar.TV+ offers over 3,500 video clips, destination tips, hotel videos, and themed channels focused on specific travel destinations, as well as the ability to create personal wishlists and browse availability information .

sonnenklar.TV strives to be Europe's leading travel shopping channel, combining inspiration, information, and direct booking capability for German-speaking audiences. The mission of the channel is to bring catalogs to life, allowing viewers to explore dream destinations from their sofas and book attractive travel packages with real added value, including extras such as room upgrades, excursion packages, free nights, and meal plan upgrades . The channel differentiates itself through its emotional presentation style, its integration of entertainment and celebrity content, and its omnichannel approach that includes television, online streaming, and a network of over 250 physical travel agencies across Germany . Thanks to modern digital platforms, sonnenklar.TV provides the opportunity to watch online the live broadcast on any device - from smartphones to Smart TVs - ensuring that travel enthusiasts across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and beyond can access its inspirational travel programming and book their next vacation wherever they are.

TV Mainfranken

TV Mainfranken is a German private regional television channel operating in the local news and information format. The primary language of broadcasting is German. The channel is based in Würzburg, Bavaria, at Mergentheimer Straße 7 . The channel was founded in 1987 under the name TV touring and first went on air on February 17, 1988, making it one of the first private regional television stations in Bavaria . In 1990, the channel expanded to Schweinfurt with its own local programming . Since December 2017, the channel has been operating under its current name, TV Mainfranken . The channel is owned by TV Mainfranken GmbH & Co. KG, with Fabian Steigerwald serving as managing director . The channel serves the Lower Franconia region, covering the cities and districts of Würzburg, Schweinfurt, Kitzingen, Main-Spessart, Rhön, Haßberge, and the Bavarian Lower Main area .

On air, TV Mainfranken features a mix of local news bulletins, special interest magazines, talk shows, and cultural programming. The flagship program is Mainfranken Aktuell, a 30-minute daily news magazine that covers current political, cultural, environmental, sports, and weather topics from the region . This program airs multiple times daily on the satellite channel Franken Plus at 8:00 pm, 11:00 pm, 2:00 am, 5:00 am, 8:00 am, 11:00 am, and 2:00 pm . Beyond news coverage, the channel produces a range of special interest formats including Menschen, a program featuring interviews with interesting people from Lower Franconia who share their stories, experiences, and emotions . The channel also airs Startup, a program about the region's entrepreneurial scene, featuring new business founders and the challenges they face . Mainfranken Wochenschau provides a weekly review of events from across the region . The channel also produces a talk format called TV Mainfranken Stammtisch, which covers topics such as economic issues affecting the region . Additional programming includes coverage of local customs, culinary traditions, and modern DIY ideas .

TV Mainfranken is available through multiple distribution platforms. The channel broadcasts as a 24-hour channel on cable networks including Vodafone and RegioNet Schweinfurt, both in standard and high definition . Additionally, a 30-minute local window airs Monday through Friday from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm on RTL frequencies . Via satellite, the channel is available on Franken Plus HD, a channel that alternates regional news magazines from Upper, Middle, and Lower Franconia . Franken Plus HD broadcasts on the Astra satellite system at 19.2 degrees east on transponder 23 at frequency 11552 MHz, horizontal polarization, with a symbol rate of 22 MSym/s and FEC 2/3 . The channel is also accessible via the Lokal-TV-Portal using HbbTV technology, which requires an internet-connected television .

TV Mainfranken is available on IPTV platforms including Magenta TV from Deutsche Telekom on channel 439, 1&1 HD TV, and M-net via Ocilion . The channel is also carried on streaming platforms such as waipu.tv, Zattoo, and HD+ ToGo . Viewers can watch online the live broadcast of TV Mainfranken through the official TV Mainfranken website, which offers a free livestream and a media library with on-demand access to individual reports and entire programs . Online television of TV Mainfranken is also accessible via the free TV Mainfranken mobile application, available for smartphones and tablets . The channel offers dedicated applications for Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TVs, as well as for Android TV and LG Smart TVs via the Lokal-TV-Portal app . The channel maintains a presence on social media platforms where it shares program highlights and regional news .

TV Mainfranken strives to be the primary source of local news and information for the Lower Franconia region, connecting viewers in Würzburg, Schweinfurt, Kitzingen, and surrounding areas with events from their immediate communities. The mission of the channel is to complement national and state-wide programming with up-to-date reports about topics that matter to local residents, to promote regional culture and traditions, and to provide a platform for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community organizations. According to audience data, the channel reaches up to 350,000 viewers . The channel also operates a regional news portal at www.tvmainfranken.de and includes a full-service advertising agency, Mainfranken Media, as part of its corporate structure . Thanks to modern digital platforms, TV Mainfranken provides the opportunity to watch online the live broadcast on any device - from smartphones to Smart TVs - ensuring that residents of Lower Franconia and former residents living elsewhere in Germany or abroad can stay connected to their home region wherever they are.

ZDFinfo

ZDFinfo is a German free-to-air television channel operating in the documentary and information format . The primary language of broadcasting is German. The channel is owned and operated by ZDF, Germany's public-service broadcaster, and is based in Mainz, Germany . ZDFinfo was launched on August 27, 1997, under the name ZDFinfokanal, and was rebranded to its current name on September 5, 2011 . The channel is available in high definition, with the HD feed having been launched on April 30, 2012, and upgraded to native HD quality in May 2015 . The channel's programming is aimed at a younger, information-interested audience seeking in-depth knowledge and context .

On air, ZDFinfo's programming consists almost exclusively of documentaries and reports covering history, politics, science, true crime, and current affairs . The channel's mission is to go beyond daily news headlines to explain complex relationships and provide reliable orientation in an increasingly complex world . Flagship documentary series include Terra X, which covers nature, science, and history, as well as ZDFzeit and ZDFzoom, which focus on political and social topics . Historical documentaries are a major focus, covering all eras from antiquity to the Middle Ages to contemporary history, with a particular emphasis on 20th-century German history including the Nazi era, World War II, the division of Germany, and the peaceful revolution of 1989 . Science programming includes Leschs Kosmos and Morgan Freeman: Mysterien des Weltalls . True crime formats are also a regular part of the schedule, including the German series Aufgeklärt – Spektakuläre Kriminalfälle, Ermittler!, and Überführt mit Joe Bausch, as well as international crime documentaries .

Beyond documentaries, ZDFinfo incorporates interactive elements and digital engagement into its programming. The channel has introduced formats that leverage social media debates and online discussions, including the interactive political talk show log in, which airs weekly and invites viewers to participate in political discourse . Another format, heute plus, allows the producers of ZDF's flagship heute news program to engage directly with viewers . The channel also experiments with user-driven content under the working title My Info, which curates the most-viewed and highest-rated videos from the ZDF Mediathek into television programs . The consumer-focused WISO series airs weeknights at 7:45 pm, with different themes each day: WISO Recht (law), WISO Technik (technology), WISO Umwelt (environment), WISO Leben (life), and WISO Geld (money) . On Sunday evenings at 7:40 pm, ZDFinfo airs the comedy format heute-show, providing political satire that deviates from the channel's usual documentary focus .

During major sporting events, ZDFinfo serves as an overflow channel for ZDF's main broadcast. The channel has been used to provide additional coverage of the Olympic Games since 2004 in Athens, as well as FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships, allowing simultaneous matches to be broadcast live . The channel also provides live special coverage during breaking news events, such as during the Egyptian revolution in 2011, when it aired translated coverage from the Arabic broadcaster Al Arabiya, and during the 2011 earthquake in Japan, when it broadcast translated coverage from NHK World TV . ZDFinfo has broadcast other sports including swimming world championships, diving competitions at European championships, and world equestrian games .

ZDFinfo is available throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and parts of Europe via digital terrestrial television (DVB-T2 HD), cable networks (DVB-C), satellite (Astra at 19.2 degrees east), and IPTV platforms . The channel broadcasts in high definition with 720p resolution via satellite and 1080p via DVB-T2 and streaming . The channel is unencrypted and free-to-air on satellite . Viewers can watch online the live broadcast of ZDFinfo through the official ZDF website at zdf.de and the ZDFmediathek mobile application . Online television of ZDFinfo is also accessible on streaming platforms such as Zattoo, Waipu.tv, Joyn, Magenta TV, and others, many of which offer the live stream in their free basic packages . The ZDFmediathek also provides on-demand access to documentaries and programs for a limited time after broadcast. The channel's programming is designed to be available across multiple devices, ensuring accessibility for viewers who prefer to watch on smartphones, tablets, computers, or smart televisions .

ZDFinfo strives to be the young information brand within the ZDF family, providing high-quality, well-researched, and engaging documentaries and reports that help viewers understand the world around them . The mission of the channel is to provide reliable, fact-based information that allows viewers to form their own opinions and participate in informed social discourse . The channel produces more than 360 new documentaries per year, ensuring a continuous stream of fresh content . ZDFinfo is part of ZDF's digital program portfolio, which also includes the main ZDF channel and ZDFneo, and is funded primarily through the German broadcast license fee, which ensures its editorial independence from commercial and political pressures . Thanks to modern digital platforms, ZDFinfo provides the opportunity to watch online the live broadcast on any device - from smartphones to Smart TVs - ensuring that German-speaking audiences across Europe and around the world can access its documentary programming wherever they are .

WELT

WELT is a German free-to-air television news channel operating in the 24-hour news and information format. The primary language of broadcasting is German. The channel is owned by WeltN24 GmbH, a subsidiary of Axel Springer SE, one of Europe's largest media publishers. WELT was originally launched on January 24, 2000, under the name N24, and was rebranded as WELT on January 18, 2018. The channel is based in Berlin, Germany, operating from a cutting-edge studio in the Axel-Springer-Kiez featuring a 175-square-meter space and a 30-meter-long LED cyclorama as its backdrop.

On air, WELT features continuous news coverage, including breaking news, live events, political analysis, business reports, and documentaries. The channel runs news on the hour, every hour, and reports non-stop from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm every weekday, as well as on weekends and during breaking news situations at any time. The programming includes political talk shows, topical reports, high-quality documentaries, and in-depth analysis of current events. WELT is known for its on-the-ground reporting, exclusive discussions, and coverage of topics ranging from politics and economics to technology and international affairs. The channel's editorial team is led by Editor-in-Chief Dr. Jan Philipp Burgard and Managing Director Frank Hoffmann.

In 2024, WELT introduced a groundbreaking innovation with the launch of KI-WELT, the first nationwide news broadcast in Germany fully produced by artificial intelligence and hosted by an AI avatar. The program focuses on current developments in AI, robotics, and future technologies, with all editorial content generated by AI but accompanied by journalistic oversight. The channel also produces a variety of documentary content covering topics such as nature, wildlife, technology, space, food, history, and crime, available both on linear television and through the channel's digital platforms.

WELT is available throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland via satellite on the Astra system at 19.2 degrees east, broadcasting both in standard definition and high definition. The channel is unencrypted and free-to-air on SD satellite, while HD reception is available through the paid HD+ and Sky Deutschland services. WELT is also carried on major cable networks including Vodafone and PYUR, as well as on digital terrestrial television through the freenet TV service. IPTV platforms carrying the channel include Magenta TV, Giga TV Net, Waipu, JOYN, and Zattoo. Viewers can watch online the live broadcast of WELT through the official WELT website at welt.de, which offers a 24-hour live stream. Online television of WELT is also accessible via the WELT mobile application, which provides HD live streaming, on-demand documentaries and videos, breaking news alerts, and access to current events coverage.

WELT strives to be Germany's most successful news channel, delivering up-to-the-minute news and background information to viewers around the clock. The mission of the channel is to provide reliable, in-depth journalism that combines traditional broadcast values with digital innovation. The channel is part of the WELT brand, which also includes the conservative-leaning newspaper Die Welt and the digital news platform WELT.de. The channel's slogan reflects its commitment to keeping viewers informed about the world around them. Thanks to modern digital platforms, WELT provides the opportunity to watch online the live broadcast on any device - from smartphones to Smart TVs - ensuring that German-speaking audiences across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and beyond can access its news coverage and documentary programming wherever they are.

WDR Fernsehen

WDR Fernsehen is a German free-to-air television channel operating in the regional public broadcasting and general entertainment format . The primary language of broadcasting is German. The channel is owned and operated by Westdeutscher Rundfunk, the public broadcasting corporation for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, and is one of the seven regional third programmes within the ARD network . The channel is based in Cologne, Germany, and first went on air on December 17, 1965, under the name Westdeutsches Fernsehen (WDF) . It was renamed West 3 in 1988 and has been known as WDR Fernsehen since 1994 . The channel is funded through the German broadcast license fee, which ensures its editorial independence and allows it to focus on programming that serves the public good rather than commercial interests .

On air, WDR Fernsehen features a mix of news bulletins, current affairs programs, regional magazines, talk shows, documentaries, sports coverage, and entertainment content. The flagship program is Aktuelle Stunde, the channel's most important statewide news magazine, which airs daily at 6:45 pm and covers news, reports, service information, and entertaining stories from North Rhine-Westphalia . The program is moderated by Mona Ameziane, Michael Dietz, Catherine Vogel, and Martin von Mauschwitz . Another key news program is WDR aktuell, a compact news magazine that airs multiple times daily, including at 12:45 pm, 4:00 pm, and 9:45 pm, providing viewers with the latest developments from the region . The channel also features WDR Sport, which covers local sports events and has produced special programming on topics such as the potential Olympic bid for the Rhine-Ruhr region .

Beyond statewide news coverage, WDR Fernsehen is known for its strong regional focus through its Lokalzeit programs. The channel operates eleven regional studios in cities including Aachen, Bielefeld, Bonn, Dortmund, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Essen, Cologne, Münster, Paderborn, Siegen, and Wuppertal . Each studio produces its own 30-minute Lokalzeit program from Monday to Saturday at 7:30 pm, featuring news, reports, and stories specifically for viewers in that region . The Lokalzeit aus Aachen, for example, covers the area around the tri-border region of Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium . These regional programs reflect the channel's commitment to local journalism, with content that ranges from municipal politics and community events to cultural festivals and human-interest stories from individual neighborhoods .

In addition to news and regional programming, WDR Fernsehen produces a wide variety of entertainment, cultural, and documentary content. The channel is known for popular formats such as Zimmer frei, a talk show, and Dittsche, a comedy series featuring the character Dittsche, as well as Zeiglers wunderbare Welt des Fußballs, a cult program about football . The channel also produces content for the ARD network, including the long-running children's program Die Sendung mit der Maus, which originated at WDR and has become one of Germany's most beloved educational shows for children . Talk show programming includes Hart aber fair, which was produced by WDR from 2001 to 2007 . The channel also airs documentaries, cultural magazines, and political discussion programs that reflect the diversity of North Rhine-Westphalia, from the industrial Ruhr region to the rural areas of the Sauerland and the Rhineland.

WDR Fernsehen is available throughout North Rhine-Westphalia via digital terrestrial television on channel 3, as well as on all major cable networks, satellite via Astra at 19.2 degrees east, and IPTV platforms such as Telekom Entertain . The channel broadcasts in 1080p high definition, with downscaling to 720p for DTT and 576i for SD feeds . The channel's reach extends beyond North Rhine-Westphalia across Germany and Europe via satellite and cable, including carriage in the Netherlands on Ziggo, Caiway, DELTA, and Kabel Noord, and in Switzerland on UPC Cablecom . Viewers can watch online the live broadcast of WDR Fernsehen through the official WDR website and the ARD Mediathek mobile application. Online television of WDR Fernsehen also includes a 24-hour live stream, on-demand access to programs for up to seven days after broadcast, and an extensive video library of regional news segments, documentaries, and magazine programs .

WDR Fernsehen strives to be the primary source of regional information for the people of North Rhine-Westphalia, serving the state's diverse population of over 17 million residents across cities such as Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Essen, Duisburg, Bochum, Wuppertal, Bielefeld, Bonn, Münster, Aachen, and countless smaller communities. The mission of the channel is to inform citizens about events affecting their daily lives, to preserve and promote the cultural identity of the region, and to provide high-quality public service broadcasting that is independent of commercial interests. The channel is part of WDR, which is governed by a Broadcasting Council of 55 members representing interest groups such as trade unions, churches, family organizations, and social organizations, as well as members of the state parliament . Thanks to modern digital platforms, WDR Fernsehen provides the opportunity to watch online the live broadcast on any device - from smartphones to Smart TVs - ensuring that residents of North Rhine-Westphalia and former residents living elsewhere in Germany or abroad can stay connected to their home region wherever they are.

WDR 1 Live

WDR 1LIVE is a German radio station operating in the contemporary hit radio format . The primary language of broadcasting is German . The station is owned and operated by Westdeutscher Rundfunk, the public broadcasting corporation for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia . WDR 1LIVE was launched on April 1, 1995, replacing the older WDR 1 station to target a younger demographic, as WDR 1 had an ever-aging listenership . The station is based in Cologne, Germany, and its broadcast area covers North Rhine-Westphalia via FM and DAB, with national and European reach via satellite and worldwide reach via internet streaming .

On air, WDR 1LIVE features a mix of popular music, comedy segments, news updates, podcasts, radio dramas, and music shows . The station's programming is built around hosted shows that carry the presenter's name. The daily schedule includes 1LIVE mit Olli Briesch und dem Imhof in the morning, 1LIVE mit Simon Beeck in the late morning, 1LIVE Kammel und Kühler in the afternoon, and 1LIVE mit Lara Heinz or 1LIVE mit Sophie Passmann in the evening . The evening program from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm is 1LIVE Plan B, hosted by Bianca Hauda and Kotaro Dürr . Late-night programming includes 1LIVE Fiehe with Klaus Fiehe on Sundays and 1LIVE DJ Sessions on weekends featuring electronic dance music .

Beyond its regular music and talk programming, WDR 1LIVE is known for its major events and awards. The station organizes the 1LIVE Krone, Germany's largest music award, as well as the 1LIVE Comedy-Nacht XXL . The station also participates in Europe's Biggest Dance Show, a collaboration of eleven young public broadcasters from eleven countries that produces a live dance marathon reaching millions of listeners across Europe . Past contributors to this event from the German side have included top DJs such as Robin Schulz, Claptone, Felix Jaehn, TOPIC, Marten Hørger, and Adam Port .

The station is known for its unique local terminology, referring to North Rhine-Westphalia as der Sektor (the sector) and its listeners as Sektor citizens . The station's original 1995 slogan was 1LIVE macht hörig (1LIVE makes you addicted), reflecting its energetic and unconventional approach . Today, 1LIVE is the most successful young radio station in the European Union, reaching approximately 2.2 million daily listeners, though this has declined from 3.6 million ten years ago due to broader trends in linear radio listening .

WDR 1LIVE has expanded beyond traditional radio into a full digital brand. The station reaches millions of people daily through its digital channels on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, and podcasts . The station also operates a digital-only channel called 1LIVE DIGGI, available online and via DAB+, which targets young people seeking a calmer media environment in an otherwise overstimulating digital world . The station's target audience is the 14–39 age demographic, with the average listener age being 34 . According to audience data, every second person under the age of 30 in North Rhine-Westphalia listens to 1LIVE at least once a day .

WDR 1LIVE strives to be the voice of the young generation in North Rhine-Westphalia, offering authentic, creative, and sometimes crazy programming that resonates with youth culture . The mission of the station is to provide reliable information to combat disinformation, delivered in a format that young people actually want to consume . The station positions itself as a piece of home for young people in the region, constantly evolving to remain relevant while maintaining its core identity . The station is funded through the German broadcast license fee as part of WDR's public service mandate. Thanks to modern digital platforms, WDR 1LIVE provides the opportunity to listen online to the live audio stream on any device - from smartphones to smart speakers - ensuring that listeners across North Rhine-Westphalia and around the world can access its music, comedy, and news programming wherever they are.

Volksmusik TV

Volksmusik TV is a German private television channel operating in the music and entertainment format. The primary language of broadcasting is German. The channel was launched on May 1, 2013, and is based in Berlin, Germany. The channel is owned by Deutsches Musik Fernsehen GmbH & Co. KG, with Marko Wünsch serving as managing director. Volksmusik TV is a sister channel to DMF (Deutsches Musik Fernsehen), which originally started in 2007 under the name Volksmusik TV before rebranding in 2011. The channel is named for its dedication to folk music and is available free-to-air across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other parts of Europe.

On air, Volksmusik TV features a mix of folk music programs, volkstümliche Musik, Schlager hits, and special interest music shows. The flagship programming includes the legendary Musikantenstadl, a live television entertainment program that was originally broadcast from 1981 to 2015 and continues to air as a Silvester show. The Musikantenstadl was moderated by Karl Moik until 2005 and then by Andy Borg until 2015. The show features Austrian, Swiss, and German popular folk music, international pop and folk music, interviews, and comedy. Each episode is broadcast from different locations in Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and sometimes South Tyrol, in front of a live audience seated at long tables in a beer house style, with many attendees wearing traditional Tracht including Lederhosen and Dirndls.

Beyond Musikantenstadl, the channel broadcasts a variety of other music formats. Legenden der Volksmusik is a program hosted by Oswald Sattler that celebrates the greatest stars and legends of folk music, presenting their unforgettable hits and greatest successes with passionate moderation and comprehensive knowledge. Unvergessene Legenden features specials dedicated to individual artists, including episodes about the child star Heintje, who became a world-famous singer at age 12, and his career until his voice broke in 1973. Volksmusik Gold is a beloved music series where moderators present the musical life's work of popular artists such as the Amigos. The channel also airs Das große Wunschkonzert, Peter Steiners Theaterstadl, and Schlager Gold. Special programs include Christliche Hitparade, Pfarrer Franz Brei - Lieder von Trost und Freude featuring conversations about faith and music, and James Last - Das große Familieninterview dedicated to the German bandleader known for his unique Happy Sound, who sold over 80 million albums worldwide.

In addition to music programming, Volksmusik TV broadcasts Teleshopping segments throughout the daily schedule. These advertising blocks are interspersed between music shows. The channel also occasionally airs documentary content such as Helden der Evolution - Vögel, which follows birds from hatching to their first flight. The channel operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is financed through commercial advertising and teleshopping revenue. The program schedule is built around hourly rotations of music specials, with many programs repeated throughout the day to reach different viewing audiences.

Volksmusik TV is available through multiple distribution platforms across Europe. The channel broadcasts via satellite on the Astra system at 19.2 degrees east. As of January 1, 2025, the channel transmits exclusively on frequency 11.244 GHz, following the shutdown of the previous frequency at 12.692 GHz on December 31, 2024. The channel broadcasts in standard definition with 576i resolution using MPEG-4 compression. In addition to satellite, Volksmusik TV is carried on many traditional cable television networks across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The channel is also available on IPTV platforms including Magenta TV from Deutsche Telekom, as well as on streaming services such as Zattoo, HD+ Stream, and Ocilion, which aggregates the channel for IPTV networks including M-Net and EWE. Since July 2024, the channel has been available as a linear 24/7 channel through Ocilion's HD Bonus Package, which is offered free of charge to business customers.

Volksmusik TV strives to be the premier destination for folk music and Schlager enthusiasts in the German-speaking world, preserving and celebrating the musical traditions of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The mission of the channel is to bring the joy of volkstümliche Musik to viewers across Europe, featuring both legendary artists and contemporary performers. The channel also serves as a platform for faith-based music programming, reflecting the deep connection between folk music and religious traditions in Alpine regions. Thanks to modern digital platforms, Volksmusik TV provides the opportunity to watch online the live broadcast on any device - from smartphones to Smart TVs - ensuring that fans of folk music across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and beyond can access its programming wherever they are.

TVA

TVA (also known as TVA Ostbayern or TVAktuell) is a German private regional television channel operating in the local news and information format . The primary language of broadcasting is German. The channel is based in Regensburg, Bavaria, at Hermann-Köhl-Straße 3 . TVA was founded on April 1, 1996, and has been serving the eastern Bavarian region for over 25 years . The channel is owned by TVA Ostbayern Fernsehprogrammgesellschaft mbH & Co. Studiobetriebs-KG, with Renate Pollinger serving as managing director and Daniela Wildenauer as editorial director . Approximately 36 permanent employees work at TVA . The channel serves the eastern Bavarian districts of Regensburg, Kelheim, Cham, Straubing-Bogen, and the independent cities of Regensburg and Straubing .

On air, TVA features a mix of daily news bulletins, regional magazines, special interest programs, and cultural content. The flagship program is TVA Journal, a 30-minute daily news magazine covering politics, economics, culture, sports, and social issues from the region . This program airs Monday through Friday at 6:00 pm and provides viewers with up-to-date reports, background information, and developments from eastern Bavaria. Additional segments within the program include sports reports and service-oriented segments. The channel also airs TVA Journal Spezial, which covers special events and topics in greater depth, and TVA Wochenrückblick, a weekly review of the most important stories from the region.

Beyond news coverage, TVA produces a range of special interest magazines that focus on specific themes. The channel broadcasts programs about regional sports events, local traditions and customs, health topics, and economic developments . One notable program is TVA Horizonte, a half-hour magazine produced in cooperation with the Diocese of Regensburg, covering church, social, societal, and cultural topics through conversations and background reports . TVA Horizonte airs on the first Sunday of each month at 6:30 pm, with hourly repeats throughout the evening. The channel also produces educational content, including the series Kaum zu glauben? developed in cooperation with the Catholic Education Center, which brings educational programming to television viewers .

TVA is available through multiple distribution platforms. The channel broadcasts 24 hours a day in high definition via cable networks, including Vodafone and R-KOM . Additionally, a 30-minute local window airs Monday through Friday from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm on RTL frequencies, reaching viewers who may not otherwise tune into a dedicated local channel . Via satellite, the channel is available as part of the OTVA HD program, broadcasting on the Astra satellite system at 19.2 degrees east on transponder 23 at frequency 11552 MHz, horizontal polarization . The channel is also accessible via the Lokal-TV-Portal using HbbTV technology, which requires an internet-connected television .

Beyond traditional broadcast, TVA has a strong digital presence. The channel is available on IPTV platforms including Magenta TV from Deutsche Telekom, 1&1 HD TV, and others via Ocilion . Streaming platforms such as waipu.tv, Zattoo, and HD+ ToGo also carry the channel . Viewers can watch online the live broadcast of TVA through the official TVA website at www.tvaktuell.com, which offers a 24-hour livestream . Online television of TVA also includes a comprehensive media library where broadcasts from the last two years can be viewed on demand . The channel offers mobile applications for smartphones and tablets, as well as dedicated apps for Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TVs, and Android TV via the Lokal-TV-Portal app . The channel also provides push notifications for breaking news through its mobile app .

TVA strives to be the primary source of local news and information for the eastern Bavaria region, serving viewers in Regensburg, Kelheim, Cham, Straubing, and surrounding areas. The mission of the channel is to complement national and state-wide programming with up-to-date reports about events from viewers' immediate communities, to promote local culture and traditions, and to provide a platform for regional businesses and organizations. Under the leadership of managing director Renate Pollinger, the channel has focused on three strategic pillars: Digitalisierung, Qualität, Lokalität (Digitalization, Quality, Localness). The channel also produces commissioned work, including company portraits, product videos, and commercial advertising productions for regional businesses . Thanks to modern digital platforms, TVA provides the opportunity to watch online the live broadcast on any device - from smartphones to Smart TVs - ensuring that residents of eastern Bavaria and former residents living elsewhere in Germany or abroad can stay connected to their home region wherever they are.