August 14, 2023, 10:36 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Fans of films, series, documentaries, and shows from ARD have been able to subscribe to the broadcasting network’s streaming service for several months now: ARD Plus. However, unlike the ARD Mediathek, the content here is not available for free. This is despite the fact that ARD’s regional broadcasting stations are funded by broadcasting fees. TECHBOOK explains why this has nothing to do with each other and delves into how the costs for using ARD Plus are justified.
The topic of broadcasting fees stirs up quite a few emotions. Especially people who no longer care much for the good old linear TV are reluctant to pay for content from ARD and others. On the other hand, “Tatort” fans or those who enjoy flipping through public broadcasters and/or frequently listen to the radio are more willing to pay the monthly 18.36 euros. After all, ARD and its affiliated broadcasters aim to fulfill an informational and educational mission alongside pure entertainment. These are likely the same people interested in ARD Plus’s streaming offer. And: they have to pay extra for it.
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Why does the ARD Plus streaming service cost money?
The broadcasting fee does not cover the content of the streaming provider. The reason is actually quite simple. ARD Plus is to be understood as a voluntary, additional offer. In contrast, the content of public broadcasters is an offer for all citizens. ARD Plus features content that does not or no longer fits into the current programming of the broadcasters. The fact that a large portion of these films, series, and more cannot be permanently offered for free in the ARD Mediathek is regulated in the Media State Treaty. There are exceptions, such as historical and cultural archives, which are usually available indefinitely in the ARD Mediathek. Otherwise, it depends on the genre how long a particular content may remain there.
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Makes sense, right? You have probably already streamed content originally produced by ARD on, for example, Netflix. For this, ARD no longer holds the licenses. If image and film rights for movies or series are now held elsewhere, neither ARD nor ARD Plus can show them for free. It doesn’t matter who was once responsible for the production. Those who want to stream such content on ARD Plus must register as a customer–and pay.
Prices and content of ARD Plus
A subscription to ARD Plus costs 4.99 euros per month. The content includes not only German series, TV movies, and documentaries but also old shows and a wide selection of programs for children. ARD Plus particularly prides itself on its “Tatort” archive, which is said to be the largest of its kind, comprising around 600 episodes.
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However, there is still much to be expanded in terms of offerings and technology. As ARD Plus aims to establish itself as the number one streaming service in Germany, as TECHBOOK recently reported.