The signature will conclude the 16 Länders' endeavours to bring the activities of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft der öffentlich-rechtlichen Rundfunkanstalten der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Consortium of public-law broadcasting institutions of the Federal Republic of Germany - ARD) and the Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (Second German Television - ZDF) in line with the applicable EU rules while considering the interests of commercial operators.  Mrs. Neelie Kroes, EU Competition Commissioner and Minister Presidents Kurt Beck (Rheinland-Pfalz) and Günther H. Oettinger (Baden-Württemberg) welcomed the signature of the Treaty.

The Treaty will come into force on June 1st, 2009. Upon that, the three digital television channels of ARD and ZDF will be further developed and shall be subject to an entrustment based on programming concepts. The public mission for ARD and ZDF's "Telemedien" (electronic information and communication services, in particular internet services such as on-line information services, podcasts and chatrooms) is defined in the inter-State Treaty. This definition is expected to help public service broadcasters fulfil their role in the new media. The "Drei Stufen Test" forms part of the definition:

“The three steps of the "Drei Stufen Test" are laid down in the 12th inter-State Treaty on public broadcasting and require public service broadcasters to evaluate that each new and significant offer (1) serves the democratic, social and cultural needs of the German society; and (2) contributes in a qualitative way to "editorial competition" and that (3) the public service broadcasters specify the financial impact of such offers.”

For more information on the signature of the Treaty please click here.