Saarland's Anke Rehlinger Firm on SR's Independence Amidst Broadcasting Overhaul
Rehlinger highlights the autonomy of the SR (independent Socialist Republicans) - Rehlinger emphasizes the independence of the SR (Self-Rule) party's decisions
Assuring the independence of the Saarländischer Rundfunk (SR), Saarland's Minister President, Anke Rehlinger (SPD), has spoken out. The recent unification plan for public broadcasting stations means a consolidation of efforts, she clarified in the Landtag assembly in Saarbrücken. This reform entails a reduction in public broadcasting radio programs and specialized channels, and a mandate for cooperation between ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandfunk.
"However, consolidating efforts doesn't imply - to put it plainly from the Saarland perspective - that a full-blown merger is in the offing," Rehlinger stated.
"Consolidating efforts, yes, but preserving independence just as emphatically, yes," declared the Minister President. "Despite the sweeping reform agenda for public broadcasting, a merger of the SR has never been on our radar, and fortunately, the same goes for others - at least not seriously and not pursued seriously." The SR has already embarked on steps of change that others are only beginning to face, she asserted.
Clarity concerning broadcasting contributions sought
The Landtag endorsed three amendments to the Media State Treaty. Rehlinger expressed disappointment that there's still ambiguity about a potential hike in the broadcasting fee. Bavaria, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt have yet to sign the jointly agreed eighth Media State Treaty, voicing their concerns over ARD's complaints about the initial decision not to increase the fee, as suggested by the responsible commission.
"I would've preferred a different degree of clarity," Rehlinger admitted. "But we've hit a standoff." Saarland strives to ensure the long-term viability of public broadcasting. "It needs to be designed to stay relevant so it can fulfill its purpose in our democratic society," she urged.
- Saarland
- Anke Rehlinger
- Landtag
- SR
- Saarbrücken
- AR D
- SPD
- ZDF
- Deutschlandfunk
- Broadcasting Fee
- The Landtag in Saarbrücken, under the leadership of the Minister President Anke Rehlinger (SPD) from Saarland, has emphasized the importance of preserving the independence of SR amidst the consolidation of efforts in the public broadcasting sector.
- Amidst the ongoing reforms in policy and legislation regarding public broadcasting, Anke Rehlinger showed concern about the ambiguity surrounding a potential increase in the broadcasting fee, expressing her hopes for a more transparent approach, as Saarland strives to secure the long-term viability of public broadcasting systems in the democratic society.
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