Commercial broadcasting

As a private broadcasting is defined as the sum of private law, that is commercial, radio and / or television companies, which fund themselves - usually through advertising. A distinction is made between private channels and private radio.

Background

The private broadcasters differs from the system of public broadcasting that it is not funded by public radio and television license fees and how the state radio, through taxes. A license from the state media authority responsible for the broadcasting of a private radio program on AM / FM or long wave ( for example, but not the Internet) is necessary in Germany, this then oversees the program. Even if a program provider is not liable to the außenpluralistischen structure of private broadcasting to content balance, he must still ensure a minimum level of objectivity and mutual respect. In addition, most of the German television broadcasters to broadcast the choice spots of the parties for the general election, and occasionally for other elections. By law, may a private television broadcast per hour twelve minutes advertising, that is up to 20 percent of the time.

The private-sector providers are subject to different from the West German public broadcasters no statutory program order. Significant incentive for operating a " private channel " should be mostly the resulting expected economic success: the financial return of a free- to-air private law program provider arise primarily from advertising revenue These are calculated indirectly from the program ranges achieved ( audience ) Other financing or profit opportunities.. arise in broadcasting, for example, by payment or subscription models (eg Sky, certain special interest), sales channels ( HSE24, QVC ), call-in (formerly 9live ). Not economically motivated exists the non-commercial radio ( NKR ).

Numerous private broadcasting companies are organized in Germany in the Association of Commercial Broadcasters and Audiovisual Services Association ( VPRT ). In Austria, the Austrian Association of Private Broadcasters (VÖP ) represents the interests of private broadcasters.