# MDR budget cuts and production pauses > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mdr-budget-cuts-and-production-pauses > Updated: 2026-08-21T16:00:01.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. The German broadcaster MDR has announced a three-year production pause for the Dresden ‘Tatort’ and the Magdeburg ‘Polizeiruf 110’ series. The broadcaster attributed this decision to financial difficulties caused by a lack of increases in broadcasting fees. Actor Jan Josef Liefers criticized the cuts, expressing concern that the pause could lead to the permanent cancellation of these long-running series. MDR Director-General Ralf Ludwig has defended the austerity measures, stating a need to save an additional 30 million euros beyond a planned 160 million euro reduction by the end of 2028. Ludwig also criticized current infrastructure costs, specifically describing the 15 million euro renovation of the MDR media house in Halle as a “ball and chain.” He suggested reducing the number of required locations to redirect funds from infrastructure into programming. Additionally, Ludwig warned of risks to broadcasting stability regarding potential political changes to broadcasting treaties. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-21: MDR Director-General Ludwig defends budget cuts and infrastructure spending MDR Director-General Ralf Ludwig has announced major budget cuts, including a three-year suspension of new productions for ‘Tatort’ and ‘Polizeiruf 110’, while criticizing redundant infrastructure costs in Hall 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mdr-director-general-ludwig-defends-budget-cuts-and-infrastructure-spending ### 2026-08-16: MDR to pause production of 'Tatort' and 'Polizeiruf 110' for three years MDR plans a three-year production pause for the Dresden 'Tatort' and 'Polizeiruf 110' due to funding gaps. Actor Jan Josef Liefers has criticized the move, fearing a permanent end to the series. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mdr-to-pause-production-of-tatort-and-polizeiruf-110-for-three-years --- Cite as: MDR budget cuts and production pauses. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mdr-budget-cuts-and-production-pauses