German radio landscape shifts as BR Schlager ends and museum hosts history event

Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) has announced that its digital radio station, BR Schlager, will cease broadcasting on DAB+ and its independent internet livestream on November 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM. This decision is part of a broader consolidation within the ARD network, driven by the new Reformstaatsvertrag, which requires public broadcasters to significantly reduce their radio portfolios. BR is reducing its linear radio offerings from ten to six stations.

While the standalone linear program is ending, content will be integrated into the ARD Sounds digital platform under the ‘ARD Schlagerwelt’ section. This follows previous reductions, including the transition of BR Puls to digital-only and the discontinuation of BR24 live and BR Verkehr.

In a separate cultural event, the Museum Funkerberg in Königs Wusterhausen will host a themed day dedicated to the history of radio receivers on November 8, 2026. The event will feature a new ‘radio wall’ in the machine hall, showcasing technology ranging from simple crystal receivers to high-quality FM automatic receivers. The exhibition aims to demonstrate 80 years of technical evolution through both visual displays and acoustic demonstrations of various devices.