German media study predicts significant journalist job losses by 2035

A new study commissioned by ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio suggests that the number of professional journalists in Germany could decrease by as much as 50 percent by 2035. Researchers Christian Zabel and Ulrike Rohn presented four scenarios at the Media Days in Munich, indicating that in a worst-case scenario, the workforce could drop from approximately 40,000 in 2023 to just 20,000 by 2035.

The report identifies artificial intelligence and the increasing dominance of large technology companies as primary threats to the industry. Beyond job losses, the study warns of a potential decline in media consumption by 18 to 47 percent and a significant drop in revenue from advertising and content sales, which could fall by up to 43 percent in the most severe scenario.

Future outcomes depend on political regulation of tech giants and increased cooperation among media houses. The researchers recommend long-term, reliable funding for public service broadcasting to act as a stabilizing force for the industry.