ARD and ZDF to reduce linear television channels by 2027

German public broadcasters ARD and ZDF are implementing reforms to reduce the number of linear television channels. As part of the Reformstaatsvertrag (7. MÄStV), three ARD-affiliated channels, ARD alpha, ONE, and tagesschau24, will cease traditional television broadcasting on December 31, 2026.

While tagesschau24 will disappear from classic television, its news editorial team will continue to operate. The channel is transitioning to a digital-first model, providing live news streams via the ARD Mediathek, smart TVs, the tagesschau website, the Tagesschau app, and YouTube. These digital streams will include scheduled morning, midday, evening, and post-20:00 news segments, as well as special coverage for breaking news.

In instances of major news events, the channel phoenix may broadcast Tagesschau live news segments on traditional television.