AUDIO
For many people, the radio is as much a part of waking up as coffee, as much a part of driving as buckling up, and as much a part of the weekend as a breakfast egg. People in North Rhine-Westphalia listen to the radio—and get to enjoy a diversity that’s unique in Europe. We’re very proud of that.
In addition to public broadcasting, Germany has a wide variety of private state-level stations, local radio stations, and regional broadcasters. Broadcasting in Germany is a state matter, which means that in North Rhine-Westphalia, the State Media Authority of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesanstalt für Medien NRW) is responsible for private broadcasters in the state. This means it licenses private broadcasters.
Programming from 44 stations on over 100 frequencies
There are currently 44 local radio stations in North Rhine-Westphalia broadcasting on over 100 frequencies, each with its own local programming. Outside of local programming hours, the “radio NRW” network schedule is broadcast, ensuring that each station broadcasts around the clock.
We see ourselves as a partner to local radio stations. We not only monitor whether and how local radio stations comply with legal requirements, but also advise and support them.
Financial AND Program-Related Responsibility
The Two-Pillar Model
The two-pillar model separates programming responsibility from financing in local radio in North Rhine-Westphalia. This creates a private radio model that is unique. Under this model, each station consists of two legally independent entities: the Broadcasting Association (VG) and the Operating Company (BG).
The Broadcasting Association Is Responsible for Programming
The VG is a registered, non-commercial association in which all relevant social groups (e.g., labor unions, sports and youth organizations) are represented by one seat each. It is responsible for procuring the necessary technology and pursues the goal of pluralism. The VG receives a license from us to operate a local radio program; it is solely responsible for the programming and serves as the employer of the editors. The Broadcasting Association thus acts in the public interest.
Operating Company Assumes Financial Responsibilities
The BG is organized as a private-sector entity. Its role is to provide the VG with the necessary financial resources to organize programs through capital contributions and advertising revenue, and to ensure funding. Another responsibility is procuring the necessary technology. In the operating companies, local newspaper publishers may hold up to 75 percent of the capital and voting rights, while municipalities may hold up to 25 percent. The operating company is thus profit-oriented.
Both “pillars” are linked by a contract that specifies their respective responsibilities in detail. They jointly decide on the appointment of the editor-in-chief.
advertising
Advertising is the main source of revenue for private radio and television broadcasters. It is subject to specific legal regulations that the legislature has laid down in the State Media Treaty (MStV) as an agreement among all federal states.
The advertising regulations of the MStV, insofar as they relate to private broadcasting, have been specified by the state media authorities in the advertising guidelines for radio and television.
The primary goal of the advertising regulations is to prevent third parties from influencing programming through advertising. This is intended to ensure editorial independence and protect listeners from being misled, without, however, calling into question the model of advertising-supported broadcasting.
The Radio Landscape in North Rhine-Westphalia—and How We Support It
To ensure diversity in programming and providers as well as high-quality programming in the private, local broadcasting market in North Rhine-Westphalia, we provide proportional financial support for training and continuing education in local, regional, and statewide broadcasting. This also includes proportional funding for the training of interns.
In addition, through award ceremonies, we express our appreciation for outstanding content in the NRW audio scene and on campus radio. And we showcase all that is possible in NRW as a media hub.