German Constitutional Court Hears Challenge to Broadcasting Fee Freeze (faz.net)

• ARD and ZDF filed a constitutional complaint against the states' blocking of the fee increase.
• Broadcasters have over €1 billion in reserves; KEF revised the recommended increase to 28 cents.
• Court decision pending; commentary links the fee push to AfD electoral prospects.

"The Federal Constitutional Court heard arguments from ARD and ZDF against the states' refusal to increase the broadcasting fee. The broadcasters, with over €1 billion in reserves, argue the freeze threatens democratic function. The KEF had initially recommended a 58-cent monthly increase, later reduced to 28 cents from January 2027. The court's decision is pending. The commentary suggests the broadcasters' push for a fee increase may be driven by fear of AfD electoral gains in eastern states."