The prime ministers of the federal states have signed a decision, according to which the radio fee monthly increase from 17.50 euros by 86 cents to 18.36 euros should. The State Chancellery of Rhineland-Palatinate gave this in one official press release (via Golem) known.
The heads of government of the federal states thus comply with a recommendation by the Commission to determine the financial requirements of broadcasters (KEF). The Rhineland-Palatinate Prime Minister and Chair of the State Broadcasting Commission, Malu Dreyer, explained the step as follows:
"The contribution has not been increased for eleven years. And the heads of government of the federal states have demanded major austerity measures from the broadcasters. At the same time, public service providers are facing major challenges with the digital transformation and further investments Premium increase) in accordance with our constitutional obligations and continue to make public service broadcasting future-proof. Its importance for our democratic system and for cohesion in our society is great. "
Premium increase of a good four percent
A premium increase of 86 cents corresponds to one 4.19 percent increase. With a total of around 45.8 million subscription accounts for the broadcasting fee in the private and non-private sector (as of December 31, 2018, via Statista), the total income of public service broadcasting per month thus increases from EUR 801.5 million by EUR 39.39 million to EUR 840.89 million or EUR 10.09 billion per year.
more on the subject
Broadcasting fee – increase to over 18 euros per month required
What happens next? In order for this change or increase in the contribution to take effect on January 1, 2021, the state parliaments of the federal states must agree. The prime ministers of the federal states then plan to sign the appropriately amended Interstate Broadcasting Treaty in June 2020.
Is the consent of the countries certain? It is unlikely that not all federal states agree to the increase in the contribution. Heike Raab (SPD), media state secretary in Mainz, said in an interview with the FAZ that she was "not worried" that not all state parliaments could agree.
The Feorm is already coming: The states agree to increase the broadcasting fee. But they also want to reformulate the ARD and ZDF mandate. Heike Raab (SPD), Media State Secretary in Mainz, explains what is wrong (by Helmut Hartung) https://t.co/dvaGEiQjZ9
– General Frankfurt general (@FAZ_NET) March 11, 2020
Mandatory broadcasting fees for all households remain controversial
Because the broadcasting fee is mandatory for all households, regardless of the number of people in the household and whether they have a television or not, it causes criticism among some Germans. However, a lawsuit before the Federal Constitutional Court in July 2018 failed.
Since then, the contribution has been considered legal in itself. Anyone who refuses to pay the contribution must therefore expect warnings, notices of determination, enforcement applications, seizures and, in the most extreme case, a provisional custody.
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Forum thread: Broadcasting fee should become more expensive: increase planned for 2021